Algoma Public Health
Non-Medical Mask or Face Covering
On this Page:
Protect yourself against COVID-19
What does a non-medical mask do?
When to wear a non-medical mask
When you don't have to wear a face covering
Removing your mask
Eye Protection
Guidance for Masks and Face Coverings for meeting and event facilities
The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) is by practicing physical distancing at all times and avoiding close contact with others outside of your household.
Non-medical masks provide source control. They do not protect the wearer but protects others. Therefore, when everyone wears them, we are protecting each other.
What does a non-medical mask do?
A mask acts as a barrier. It reduces the chance of spreading respiratory droplets to others and prevents droplets from landing on surfaces when you cough or sneeze.
Wearing a non-medical mask in public or other settings is not a replacement for proven measures such as handwashing, physical distancing, and limiting non-essential travel. It's intended to provide protection to others by containing the respiratory droplets or saliva exhaled by the wearer through speaking, coughing, or sneezing.
When to wear a non-medical mask
- When entering the indoor premises of businesses, organizations and on public transit systems throughout Ontario.
- In personal service settings (e.g. hairstylists, tattoo artists, estheticians, massage therapists)
- Outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained
How to use a non-medical mask safely
Non-medical or cloth masks have limits and you need to use them safely.
Your mask should:
- be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be washed and machine dried without damage or change to shape
Using your mask
To use your mask you must:
- wash your hands immediately before putting it on and after taking it off
- avoid touching or adjusting your mask while wearing it
- be sure not to touch or rub your eyes while you wear it
- don’t share your mask with others
Masks should be changed when they get slightly wet or dirty
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: Wash your hands immediately after your remove it.
Step 3: Place your used mask directly into the washing machine.
Step 4: Wash your mask with other items using a hot cycle, and then dry it thoroughly. If you can’t wash your mask, throw it in the garbage right away.
Learn more about preventing the spread of COVID-19, including how to wash cloth masks and safely dispose of non-medical masks on Ontario.ca/facecoverings (Ontario Government)
May include masks or respirators with integrated eye protection, safety glasses, goggles or face shields
What is it?
- It is a type of PPE that protects the eyes of the person wearing it from contact with splashes, sprays and splatter of bodily fluids from other people.
- In health-care settings, face shields and other eye protection are worn with a face mask so that the eyes, nose and mouth of the wearer are protected from the fluids of other people.
When should it be used?
- May be required for workers who are or may be exposed to splashes, large droplets, or saliva in the course of workplace duties in addition to a face mask. Eye protection and a surgical/medical mask must be used by workers when unable to maintain physical distance of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from any individuals who are not wearing a mask and a physical barrier is not present (e.g. restaurant servers)
How should it fit?
- There is no current evidence that shows wearing a face shield alone adequately protect others from the wearer's respiratory droplets.
- Should not be used as a substitute for a face mask