COVID-19 mask use: Advice for community settings 

Respirators sold in Canada are required to meet established standards for filtration, breathability and fluid resistance. A respirator worn in the community doesn't need formal fit testing.

Respirators are recommended for:

• anyone who has tested positive for or has symptoms of COVID-19
• anyone in quarantine, such as those who have been exposed to a person with COVID-19
• caregivers and household members of anyone in isolation or quarantine
  • this is especially important for those who:
    • are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19
    • live in an overcrowded setting

If a respirator is unavailable to you in the above situations, it's recommended that you wear a well-fitted medical mask. If neither are available, you should properly wear a well-constructed and well-fitting non-medical mask.

Medical masks sold in Canada are required to meet established standards for filtration, breathability and fluid resistance.

Medical masks are recommended for people who are at:

• risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19
  • these people could also consider using a respirator
• higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 because of their living situation
  • these people could also consider using a respirator

If a medical mask or respirator is unavailable, you should properly wear a well-constructed and well-fitting non-medical mask.

There's currently no required standard for non-medical masks sold in Canada. Few non-medical masks provide information about their filtration effectiveness.

The effectiveness of non-medical masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19 can vary based on material, construction, fit and proper use. Some non-medical masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 similarly to medical masks if they:

• fit well and are properly used
• have multiple layers, including at least 2 layers of breathable tightly woven fabric, such as cotton and
• have an effective middle filter layer

Medical masks and respirators are widely available for purchase. Their construction materials may vary, but must meet established filtration standards to be sold in Canada.

A non-medical mask can be bought or homemade and should be made of:

• multiple layers, including
  • at least 2 layers of tightly woven fabric, such as cotton and
  • a third, middle layer of filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene
• materials that are breathable

Using a filter as a middle layer in your non-medical mask can help to trap smaller infectious respiratory particles.

You can include a filter in your non-medical mask by:

• adding a filter fabric as a middle layer
• inserting a disposable filter into a pocket on the inside of the mask
  • filters can be purchased or you can prepare your own using a piece of filter fabric

Reusable masks with an integrated filter layer can be washed multiple times.

Disposable filters should be:

• changed as directed by the manufacturer
• removed from the mask before washing

Do not use masks or respirators with exhalation valves.

Masks with exhalation valves or vents allow infectious respiratory particles to spread outside the mask. These masks do not protect others from COVID-19 or limit the spread of the virus.

Medical masks and respirators are typically single use and disposable, but may be reused until visibly dirty, damp or damaged.

Change your mask as soon as possible if it gets dirty, damp or damaged. Place dirty reusable non-medical masks in a secure, waterproof bag or container until you can wash them in a washing machine or by hand. Wash the mask with hot, soapy water and dry completely before wearing again.

When wearing a mask, make sure that it:

• is made of breathable materials
• can be removed quickly and safely if necessary
• keeps your vision clear and doesn't interfere with tasks

Do not:

• share your mask with others
• place a mask on anyone:
  • under the age of 2 years
  • who's unable to remove it without assistance
  • who has trouble breathing while wearing the mask
• secure a mask with tape or other inappropriate materials
• make a mask out of materials that easily fall apart, like tissues

Some people are at higher risk of:

• more severe disease or outcomes if they get COVID-19
• exposure to COVID-19 because of their living situation

If you're at higher risk, it's even more important to:

• properly wear a well-fitting medical mask
• consider wearing a respirator if one is available to you

If a medical mask or respirator isn't available to you, make sure you properly wear a well-constructed and well-fitting non-medical mask.

Some people may be at increased risk of exposure due to their job or occupation. These people should follow the mask policies put in place by their workplace or employer. These policies take into account specific risks related to the settings and tasks.

Learn more about:

• COVID-19: People at a greater risk of exposure
• COVID-19: People at risk of more severe disease or outcomes
• COVID-19: Medical masks and respirators
• COVID-19 mask use: How to make your mask fit properly (printable poster)

If you've been diagnosed with, or have symptoms of COVID-19, you should wear a respirator (or if unavailable, a well-fitted medical mask) when you:

• have to leave your isolation location (for example, to seek medical attention)
• are in a shared indoor space by yourself or with others, like a:
  • hallway
  • kitchen
  • washroom
• are in a shared outdoor space with members of your household, like a:
  • balcony
  • backyard
• are receiving care (either direct physical contact or close interactions)

Wear a respirator (or if unavailable, a well-fitted medical mask) if you're providing care to someone who has been diagnosed with, or has symptoms of COVID-19.

If a medical mask or respirator is unavailable, wear a non-medical mask that:

• is well fitting
• is well constructed
• includes a filter layer

Learn more about:

• Symptoms of COVID-19
• COVID-19: Medical masks and respirators
• COVID-19: Isolation instructions
• COVID-19: How to care at home for someone who has or may have been exposed

Children under the age of 2 should not wear masks.

Between the ages of 2 and 5, children may be able to wear a mask if supervised. This will depend on their ability to tolerate it as well as put it on and take it off.

Children older than 5 should wear a mask in the same situations or settings where they're recommended for adults. A child's ability to properly use and care for their mask is impacted by factors such as:

• age
• maturity
• physical or cognitive ability

Learn more about:

• COVID-19 mask use: When to wear a mask

Some non-medical masks have transparent windows. You can use these masks:

• if you're hard of hearing
• if you interact with people who lip read
• in settings where facial expression is an important part of communication

If a non-medical mask with a transparent window isn't available:

• only the person speaking should remove their mask while communicating
• maintain physical distancing
• when possible, choose a well ventilated indoor space, open a window or door, or go outdoors to communicate
• use written communication, closed captioning or decrease background noise as much as possible

Learn more about:

• COVID-19: Physical distancing
• COVID-19: Improving indoor ventilation
• COVID-19 mask use: Considerations for manufacturers

Some people may not be able to wear a mask. Be kind rather than making assumptions. For those unable to wear a mask, singling them out in public can be socially isolating and lead to anxiety.

Masks aren't recommended for:

• children under the age of 2
• people who live with illnesses or disabilities that make it difficult to put on or take off a mask without assistance
• those who have trouble breathing while wearing the mask

When putting in place or making changes to mask policies for the workplace, employers should consult:

• occupational health and safety acts and regulations
• occupational health and safety committees and/or representatives
• reputable occupational health and safety resources, such as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) or
• their local public health authority

Operators of community settings should have a supply of respirators available:

• to give to anyone who may develop symptoms on site
• if they need to assist a person with symptoms

This includes settings like schools, daycares, places of worship, recreational facilities or event venues.

If respirators are unavailable, operators of community settings should use a supply of medical masks.

Learn more about:

• COVID-19: Provincial and territorial resources
• COVID-19: Medical masks and respirators
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: COVID-19 health and safety resources

Non-medical masks aren't considered medical devices under the Medical Devices Regulations. Face coverings or non-medical masks:

• aren't regulated as medical devices
• can't make medical claims or indicate they will reduce or prevent the user from being infected by a disease

To date, Health Canada hasn't approved any non-medical masks as medical devices.

Well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn non-medical masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 from an infected wearer to others. They can help prevent the wearer from being exposed to the infectious respiratory particles of others. How effective non-medical masks are depends on their materials, construction, fit and proper use.

Manufacturers can use this advice to construct their non-medical masks. They cannot use it to make claims that non-medical masks are medical devices.

Health Canada does regulate respirators and medical masks as medical devices, which must meet a standard level of performance and quality requirements.

Learn more about:

• Medical Devices Regulations
• Medical masks: Information for health professionals
• COVID-19: Medical masks and respirators

Face shields on their own do not replace masks. A face shield can be worn in addition to a mask for added eye protection.

Without a mask, a face shield won't help prevent you or others from being exposed to infectious respiratory particles. These particles come from the nose and mouth, and can escape around the face shield.

If wearing a face shield, choose one that extends around the sides of the face and below the chin. You'll still need to:

• maintain physical distancing
• practise good hand hygiene, especially if you touch the face shield

Learn more about:

• COVID-19: Physical distancing
• Reduce the spread of COVID-19: Wash your hands (printable poster)
• List of approved COVID-19 hand sanitizers

Neck gaiters (also known as neck warmers), scarves and bandanas aren't recommended because they:

• don't include a filter layer
• aren't made of effective materials
• are likely to move or slip out of place
• aren't well secured to the head or ears
• are difficult to remove without contaminating yourself

Learn more about:

• Reduce the spread of COVID-19: Wash your hands (printable poster)
• List of approved COVID-19 hand sanitizers