COVID-19 is primarily transmitted when droplets from an infected person come into contact with the mucous membranes of another individual; this includes transmission through the eyes, mouth, and nose. When wearing a medical mask, there is a six-fold decrease in emissions of particulate matter in expired air compared to the people who did not wear a mask. For this reason, masks are required when inside of any buildings across Ontario to prevent the transmission of contaminated droplets and, ultimately, the virus.
In order to ensure maximal efficacy, masks must be secured onto the face and cover the chin and nose without any bulging. This should be done with clean hands to minimize any contact with pathogens; if secure, the mask should not require re-adjustment which limits the risk of self-contamination. Do not touch the front of the mask; only handle the mask by the ear loops. If there is contact with the front of the mask by accident, sanitize with alcohol-based sanitizer or wash hands with warm water and soap if possible. If the mask gets damp from use, replace it as soon as possible as moisture decreases the efficacy of the mask and can make it difficult to breathe through.
Types of Mask
Professional respirators
N95 respirators are mainly used by healthcare workers and have a 95% filtration rate for particles that are about 0.3 microns. These masks are not reusable and are not recommended for use by the general public. Avoiding unnecessary use of N95 respirators will prevent shortages for healthcare workers.
Due to high demand, there have been cases where counterfeit N95 respirators were being manufactured and sold. To avoid using a counterfeit respirator, ensure to check the abbreviated approval on the packaging or the respirator. More information can be found on the CDC website.
Surgical masks
Surgical masks are looser, disposable, and fluid resistant. They can prevent most contaminants from being expired into the surrounding environment from the mouth and nose. They may be used in cases where an individual is considered at high risk of becoming infected or having severe complications if the virus is contracted. In addition, the WHO recommends individuals over the age of 60 wear a surgical mask, as well as people who are ill or have been in contact with someone who is ill. However, these should not be used by the general public to reserve supplies for healthcare workers.
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Non-medical disposable masks
These masks are single use and most often sold in stores. They are beneficial in conditions where the masks get damp or dirty but must be changed when the mask becomes moist as the barrier loses its integrity.
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Cloth masks
Cloth masks are recommended for the general public by the CDC in addition to physical distancing. They should be made from a tightly woven and breathable fabric and should not have exhalation valves, as the air is not filtered and has a high risk of releasing contaminated particulates.
New guidelines put in place for cloth masks by Health Canada are as follows:
- 2 layers of tightly woven fabric
- A middle layer made from a filter-type fabric
These masks should be washed frequently without any harsh chemicals, such as fabric softeners that may cause breakouts. They can be washed with other laundry in the machine and be left out to air dry.
Face shields
Shields may be used but do NOT replace wearing a mask. They will only provide protection against viral particles reaching the eyes and leave the mouth and nose exposed.
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ARE MASKS SAFE TO WEAR?
Masks being worn by an individual should never be airtight, however they should be fitted while also allowing proper airflow. Allowing for airflow will prevent the accumulation of carbon dioxide inside the mask. It should be noted that individuals with various lung diseases may be more sensitive than the healthy population to the small amounts of carbon dioxide; however, the amount of carbon dioxide within a properly fitted mask does not pose a risk to human health and will not create new or further damage to their lungs.
Many individuals have reported excessive breakouts caused by wearing masks. When worn properly and washed or disposed of when the mask becomes damp and/or dirty, the number of breakouts caused by the mask may be reduced. This will prevent bacterial growth and other complications, such as yeast overgrowth (Candida), which can cause various skin infections.
A myth that spread around the internet included the idea of developing Legionnaires’ disease after wearing a mask for extended periods of time. There is no evidence that this is the case since the bacteria that causes this infection is found in stagnant water systems, mainly seen in hotels, hospitals, and hot tubs. The bacteria must be inhaled, which can be avoided if an individual does not touch their face and washes their hands frequently.
MASK EXEMPTIONS
As of publishing this website, there are only three populations recognized by the Government of Canada that are exempt from the mask mandate:
- Children under the age of 2
- Any individuals with a medical and/or genetic condition that makes them physically unable to put on, wear, and/or remove a face covering
- Individuals who have persistent difficulty breathing
Individuals in the above populations are not expected to wear masks in public spaces due to potential risks to their health and safety; however, it is recommended that they avoid gathering in public spaces where adequate social distancing cannot be maintained. Canadians who do not fall under one or more of these populations are required to wear a mask in public spaces where social distancing may be a challenge, including grocery stores, theatres, malls, and other indoor venues.
Simply “feeling” that a mask makes breathing more difficult is NOT a valid reason to forgo wearing a mask. While it is possible that wearing a mask may exacerbate underlying and/or undiagnosed health conditions, it is not an acceptable excuse to avoid wearing a mask in public settings. Similarly, feeling that a mask impacts personal quality of life does not entitle anyone to avoid wearing a mask. If you have genuine feelings of physical or emotional distress when wearing a mask, please speak to your doctor.