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Where physical distancing is challenging, wearing a non-medical mask or face covering may help, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

When out in public in settings where it is challenging to maintain physical distancing requirements – like the grocery store, or when using public transit – a non-medical mask or face covering can help to protect others around you.

The agency has some advice for people who choose to wear these masks.

Firstly, the agency continues to recommend that medical masks – including surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators like N95 masks – be used only by health care workers and others providing direct care to people with COVID-19.

While wearing a non-medical mask or face covering in the community has not been proven to protect the wearer, this option can be useful in public settings where physical distancing is not possible. 

For instance, wearing a non-medical mask or face covering at the grocery store will prevent the wearer’s respiratory droplets from landing on surfaces and contaminating others. These masks primarily serve to protect others around the mask wearer, but can also help wearers remember not to touch their nose or mouth.

Homemade cloth face coverings do not provide complete protection from virus particles because of their loose fit, fabric and lack of testing. Information about homemade cloth face coverings can be found .

Non-medical masks have limitations, and should not be placed on children under age two, people who have trouble breathing or people who are unable to remove their masks on their own.

After any non-medical mask or face covering is used, these items should be properly disposed of. Put washable masks directly into the washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine and then disposed of. Discard single-use masks or face coverings in a lined garbage bin.

Non-medical masks or face coverings can help protect people around the wearer. But the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are practicing good hygiene and following public health measures – including frequent hand washing and physical distancing.

For a full listing of federal information and recommendations on COVID-19, click .

Hannah Scott is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Richmond Sentinel