The World Health Organization recommends that everyone in the general public wear a face mask in public settings in addition to following social distancing and hygiene guidelines to help limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Click on a question to find out more.
 

When to use a mask?

You should wear a mask in the following instances:

• In public settings where social distancing is impossible (e.g. high traffic urban areas, grocery stores, workplace, airports and public transit).
• When caring for a person with suspected COVID-19 infection.
• When caring for a person who is immunocompromised.
• If you are coughing or sneezing (e.g. allergy season).

Note that children under 2 and anyone who had trouble breathing should not wear a mask.

 

How to wear a mask? 

When putting on a mask, there are steps you must follow in order for the face covering to be an effective prevention measure:

• Wash you hands prior to putting on the mask.
• Hold the mask by the ear loops and place loops around each ear.
• The mask should fully cover your mouth and nose.
• Make sure it is snug to your face.
• Do not touch your mask while using it. If you do, immediately clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or water and soap.

 

How to safely dispose of a face mask?

When removing your mask:

• Before removing your mask, wash your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or water and soap.
• Remove it from behind your head and do not touch the front of the mask.
• Discard it immediately in a closed bin.
• Clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers or water and soap.
• Never reuse single-use masks.

Reusable cloth masks should be cleaned after each use. It is recommended to wash cloth masks in a washing machine, using hot water (60° Celsius / 140° Fahrenheit). Ideally, you should buy two or three masks. After washing and drying one of your masks, place it in a Ziplock bag and keep it there for 24 to 48 hours before reusing it.

 

Check out our Face Mask Guideline flyer for easy instructions on how to wear a face mask. Click here to read the CDC’s directions on how to make your own mask.