After downplaying the effectiveness of non-medical face masks, both the chief public health officer and federal health minister state that they are recommended. Face masks must be worn in cases where physical distancing is not possible in public.
The country’s top doctor, Theresa Lam stated that while the scientific research “is not quite there” yet on the effectiveness of non-medical face masks in stopping the spread of COVID-19, she would not hesitate to use a face mask when riding in transit or grocery shopping.
By wearing a face mask, it adds a layer of prevention as well as protection for others. A shirt or bed sheet can be fashioned into a homemade face mask. The medical-grade face masks should be strictly reserved for healthcare professionals due to ongoing shortages.
There are concerns that wearing a face mask might encourage people to touch their faces more than they normally would, which also could lead to infection. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that he would follow the advice of medical professionals on the mask question. Homemade face masks are a sensible solution as they act like a shirt sleeve – a place to catch a cough or sneeze without spreading it around.
While Canada’s two top health authorities stated that they will wear face masks while in public, they cautioned that masks should be worn along with other hygienic practices such as regular hand washing.
The commitment to wearing non-medical face masks in public comes after the Public Health Agency of Canada changed its recommendations on the medical devices.
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LiveScience – Face Masks: Are They Effective in Reducing Coronavirus Spread?
BBC Future – Coronavirus: What Is the Best Kind of Face Mask?