Wearing masks in indoor locations has become mandatory in many Ontario cities, including Toronto.
CBC News has put together some advice for Canadians on how to properly wear a mask, how to use and store reusable masks, and why it’s a bad idea to pull your mask down onto your chin.
Is it safe to pull down my mask and keep it under my chin?
You’ve probably seen lots of people doing this as they move back and forth between indoor spaces where masks are typically required and outdoors spaces where they’re not.
Is this safe?
“No, that is probably the worst thing you could do with the mask,” Dr. Zain Chagla, a professor and infectious disease specialist at McMaster University in Hamilton, said in a recent interview with CBC News.
That’s because it risks getting droplets or germs on the outside of the mask onto your chin and lower lip, he says. “You’re basically putting all that stuff in your mouth and defeating the purpose of wearing a mask.”
And of course, pulling the mask down often involves touching the front of it, which is not recommended, as it could contaminate your hands. (Remember that you should only hold the mask by the ear loops and wash your hands before and after).
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be transmitted when infectious droplets enter through the eyes, nose or mouth.
How many times can you reuse a disposable medical-style mask?
With this type of mask, what you see is what you get, so you can reuse it until it’s dirty, worn or damaged.
“Obviously, you don’t want to reuse a mask that’s soiled,” says Dr. Anand Kumar, a professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba.
What’s the best way to stow a mask while on the go?
The federal government recommends storing your face mask in a paper bag, envelope, or something that won’t retain moisture if you will be wearing it again.
A plastic bag isn’t recommended because it keeps moisture in, which could allow bacteria to grow on the mask.
The proper way to way to carry a mask with you is in a paper bag. However, this can be awkward, and in places where the risk is low, it’s OK to put the mask in your pocket.
On the other hand, in a higher-risk environment, such as a community with outbreaks, it’s best to keep the mask on at all times, even when you’re outside between buildings.
If you’re putting the mask on and off, it gives you more chances to contaminate yourself with it.
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The information listed above comes from CBC News.