Please note:

Medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure face masks, and respirators are in short supply and should be kept for healthcare workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. 

While wearing a non-medical mask has not been proven to protect the person wearing it, it can reduce the chance that others come into contact with the wearer’s respiratory droplets – just like coughing into your sleeve instead of into your hands.

It is important to understand that non-medical masks have limitations and need to be used safely. If you choose to use a non-medical face mask, be sure to wash your hands immediately before putting it on and immediately after taking it off. When wearing a mask, be sure to avoid touching your face. It should fit well to ensure that air flows through the mask and not around it. You should not share your mask with others. Non-medical masks should not be placed on children under the age of two; anyone who has trouble breathing; or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Remember that non-medical masks alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must consistently and strictly adhere to good hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and physical (social) distancing. We recommend you regularly review and monitor guidance set out by relevant health authorities, including from the Government of Canada.