All of a sudden, it’s cool to wear a face mask.
After being lukewarm to the idea during the COVID-19 pandemic, top public health officials now endorse the use in circumstances where physical distancing is difficult.
Local medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton says a simple mask can prevent you from spreading the coronavirus.
“Medical masks such as surgical and N95 masks should be reserved for use by healthcare workers,” Catton elaborates, “those providing direct care, first responders and individuals who are ill and must leave their homes for essential reasons such as visiting a healthcare provider and have been instructed to use these masks.”
So if you take the Prime Minister’s lead and wear a face mask, Catton says there’s right way and a wrong way to do it properly.
“We ask individuals to check our website, our Facebook page and other reputable sources such as the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health of Ontario to ensure that this is done in a safe manner and not leading to increased risk of infection.”
That covers wearing, washing and disposing of the masks.