Masks (COVID-19)

What does a mask do?

Wearing a mask remains an important way to protect yourself and others. If you haven’t been wearing a well-fitted mask indoors in public, now is the time to restart!

A mask acts as a barrier. It is one of the most effective individual measures that reduces your risk of spreading and getting COVID-19. A mask can protect others from potential COVID-19 droplets you may spread and prevents you from breathing in infectious respiratory droplets from others.

Wearing a mask along with other preventative measures such as vaccination, hand washing,  physical distancing, and staying home when ill, can stop the spread of COVID-19.

We should all do our part to reduce transmission of COVID-19 within our communities and protect the most vulnerable and our health care system.

Choosing a Mask

Wear a high-quality, well-fitted, comfortable mask

High-quality: A medical mask or respirator can provide better protection.

Well-fitted: Your mask should fit your face, covering your nose, mouth and chin without gaping. Ties/ear loops should fit securely to avoid adjusting during use.

Comfortable: Your mask should be comfortable, easy to breathe through, and not limit your vision.

Choose the best quality and best fitting mask or respirator that’s available to you. No matter which type of mask you choose, proper fit is a key factor in its effectiveness.

Face coverings such as neck gaiters, scarves, bandanas, and face shields alone are not recommended. They are not effective filters and they do not provide a tight fit around your nose and mouth to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Don’t use masks or respirators with exhalation valves. They allow infectious respiratory particles to escape. They do not help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Visit the Government of Canada’s website to learn more about COVID-19 mask use: Types of masks and respirators.

When to wear a mask

A mask must be worn in the following settings:

• long-term care homes
• retirement homes
• congregate living settings such as shelters and group homes
• acute care settings such as hospitals
• in all public settings for 10 days after the start of a person’s symptoms or positive COVID-19 test

A mask should also be worn:

• in all public settings when the local COVID-19 Risk Index is High or Very High
• when a person is in a crowded or poorly ventilated area, or in close contact settings
• when a person is at high risk of severe illness (older adults, those with certain medical conditions, pregnant or having recently given birth)
• when around those who are most vulnerable
• when a person has been exposed to COVID-19, wear a mask for 10 days from the date of exposure
• when a person has not received all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine

How to use a mask

Masks need to be worn correctly. A well-fitted mask must be snug against the face and cover the nose, mouth, and chin.

Watch these videos to learn how to properly put on and take off your mask to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Watch as Simon demonstrates how to properly put on, take off, and store a mask at school. This video is appropriate for children and youth in Grades 4 and up.

Watch as Seran demonstrates how to properly put on, take off, and store a mask at school. This video is appropriate for children and youth in Grades 3 and under.

Using your mask

To use your mask you must:

• wash or sanitize your hands immediately before putting it on
• avoid touching or adjusting your mask while wearing it
• be sure not to touch or rub your eyes while you wear it
• change your mask if it becomes damp or soiled
• don’t share your mask with others

Do not place a mask on:

• children under age 2
• anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious
• anyone that cannot remove the mask without help

Removing your mask

Masks can become contaminated on the outside or when touched by hands.

To remove your mask safely you must:

Step 1: Be very careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing your mask.

Step 2: Throw your mask in the garbage right away.

Step 3: Wash or sanitize your hands immediately.

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This item was last modified on October 20, 2022