B.C.'s top doctor says it's a choice to wear a cloth mask or not during pandemic, but other health orders important

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — To wear a cloth mask or not is a choice during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the provincial health officer, but physical distancing and proper hygiene are still necessary to stop the spread of the virus.

Dr. Bonnie Henry explains in an open letter that cloth masks can be used as a tool if one chooses to do so while also following public health orders like washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and not touching your face and eyes.

“Equally important is the need to reserve medical masks and N95 respirators for our health-care-workers. It is their job to care for us when we are ill and having the correct protective equipment to do that is crucial for them and for all of us,” Henry writes.

Canada’s health officials recently announced cloth masks can help stop people’s droplets from spreading on surfaces and in the air. The effect is similar to covering one’s mouth when coughing or sneezing, Henry says.

However, a mask will not protect you from COVID-19.

“Moreover, using a cloth mask does not give you permission to disregard physical distancing and self-isolation orders,” she says.

Henry adds if you do choose to wear a mask, remember not to touch your face, don’t share it with others, and wash the mask regularly.

“I applaud the creativity and ingenuity of many who have taken the time to make these cloth masks and it is encouraging to see the social connections that have been made by sharing patterns and creative ideas online.”