When is it appropriate to wear a non-medical, or cloth, mask?
● In public settings when staying two metres (six feet) away from others may be challenging
● When using public transportation or riding in vehicles with others
● When attending medical appointments (doctor’s office, massage therapist)
● When receiving personal care services where physical distancing is not possible (haircut, pedicure)
● NOTE: Homemade cloth masks do not replace personal protective equipment where required in a health-care setting. Any staff person in a health-care facility who is not required to use approved personal protective equipment may wear a non-medical mask if they choose to.
How do I put on a homemade (non-medical) mask or face covering?
Follow these five steps to safely put on a mask or face covering:
● Ensure the face covering is clean and dry and has not been used by others.
● Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before touching the mask.
● If warm water and soap are not available, use hand sanitizer with a minimum 60 per cent alcohol base.
● Ensure your hair is away from your face.
● Place the face covering over your nose and mouth and secure to your head or ears with its ties or elastics
● Adjust if needed to ensure nose and mouth are fully covered.
● The mask should fit snugly to the cheeks and there should not be any gaps.
● Clean your hands again.
What should I be aware of when wearing a mask?
● Leave it in place on your face (without putting it up on your hair or down around your chin) the entire time you need to have it on. Not having it placed properly puts you at risk of coming in contact with the outside surface that may transfers germs/virus to you.
● Avoid touching your face.
● If you move or remove your mask for any reason, it’s time to take it off and throw it out or store it in a plastic bag until you can launder it.
● As soon as your face covering becomes damp or dirty, you need to remove your mask and wash it if it’s reusable, or throw it away if it is disposable.
How do I take off my homemade (non-medical mask) or face covering?
Follow these steps to safely put on a mask or face covering:
● Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with a minimum 60 per cent alcohol base.
● Remove the face covering by untying it or removing the loops from your ears
● Avoid touching the front of the mask, which may have the virus/germs on it and transfer them to you
● Dispose of or launder the mask immediately
● If you are not at home, place the mask in a plastic bag that can be sealed until you can place it in the wash
● If you plan to reuse the mask, wash it with hot, soapy water before wearing it again
● Do not share masks between family members or others
● If throwing it out, place it into a lined garbage bin or plastic bag.
● After removing and disposing of or storing the face covering, wash your hands.