Who should wear a mask?

If you are sick, you should stay home and get tested. If you are well and going out: It is mandatory to wear a mask in many indoor public spaces.

It is mandatory to wear a mask in an enclosed common area of a condominium or multi-unit residential building.

In outdoor spaces, it is necessary to wear a mask when it is difficult to maintain a physical distance of more than 2 metres (six feet), and further required under By-law 2020-186.

You must wear a mask if you are using OC Transpo and if you are using vehicles- for-hire such as a taxis. If you are caring for someone who is sick and has or may have COVID-19: Wear a mask or face covering and maintain physical distancing (staying at least two metres or six feet apart) whenever possible if the person you are caring for has a fever, is coughing or is sneezing. If able to, the person you are taking care of should also wear a mask or face covering to prevent spreading the virus to others.

What should I avoid about masks?

Masks should not: Contain plastic, vinyl, paper tissues or other non-breathable materials that makes it hard to breathe

Have exhalation valves or vents, which allow virus particles to escape

Be shared with others, including those in your household

Impair vision or interfere with tasks

Have a loose fit

Should not be worn around your neck, on your forehead, under your nose, only on your nose, on your chin, one ear, on .

What should I consider when choosing to wear a mask or face covering?

All masks are not made the same and may fit differently. Try to find a mask that fits the size of your face, covering your nose and mouth, without gapping (large spaces between the mask and your face) and can be secured with ties or ear loops and allow for easy breathing. Your mask should fit snugly around your face, however, should not hurt your face. Do not wear your mask around your neck, on your forehead, under your nose, only on your nose, on your chin, one ear, on your arm.

They should be made of cloth that tolerates frequent washing and drying. Cloth masks should be discarded if the material is frayed or has holes.

What type of fabric or cloth do I use?

Several organizations have proposed guidelines for mask design including what type of fabric or style to use. This is an area of active research and new evidence will likely emerge in the coming months. At this time, Ottawa Public Health recommends the following materials and design for masks: Use two or three layers of tightly woven fabric that is breathable. Cotton is the most widely used fabric. It is better if the thread count is higher. For example, it is recommended that a 120-thread count or higher be used. A combination of fabrics can be used such as pillowcases, cotton sheets and high thread count cotton with silk, chiffon, quilters cotton or flannel. The more comfortable fabric should be on the inside, against the face.

Some organizations suggest using a third non-absorbent layer of fabric. A third layer of fabric may make the mask slightly better at keeping droplets (which may contain COVID-19) in but also could make a mask less breathable and harder to wear for longer periods of time.

Choose fabrics that can withstand multiple washing cycles using hot water.

If possible, use different fabrics or colours for the inside and outside of the mask. This will indicate which side to place over your face.

Masks with pleats fit more face shapes and sizes.

Masks made with a seam down the middle can leak air and may not block droplets as well as other styles of masks.

A round elastic may fit more comfortably behind the ear than a wide, flat elastic.

How do I make a cloth mask?

What kind of mask can I wear with a hijab, niqab or burqa?

Wearing a single layered head covering does not replace a cloth mask. Hijab, niqab and burkas may not be designed to filter respiratory droplets and they may not be effective. The mask may have to be worn underneath these coverings to ensure the best fit against the face. Make sure the mask fully covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face, without gapping and can be secured with ties or ear loops and allow for easy breathing.

How do I use a mask while wearing glasses/sunglasses?

You may need to take off your glasses before putting on your mask to ensure the mask is placed properly over your nose. Avoid touching your glasses when wearing your mask. If you need to readjust your glasses, ensure you wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately before and after touching them. It is recommended that you take off your glasses prior to safely taking off your mask. Only take off your glasses and mask when you can wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Your glasses can be washed with soap and water to decrease potential spread of COVID-19.

How do I avoid fogging up my glasses when wearing a mask?

Foggy eyeglasses can be a challenge in many different situations, including when wearing a mask. Here are some tips to help prevent your glasses from fogging while wearing a mask: Use a well-fitting mask. Make sure the mask fully covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face, without gapping.

Use a mask that has a bendable metal insert, so you can mold it to fit snuggly over the bridge of your nose. This will prevent air from leaking out of the top.

You may need to take off your glasses before putting on your mask to ensure the mask is placed properly over your nose.

Avoid touching your glasses when wearing your mask. If you need to readjust them, be sure to practice good hand hygiene. For more information about wearing a mask with glasses or sunglasses please read our FAQ: How do I use a mask while wearing glasses/sunglasses?

Can I wear my mask all day?

A cloth mask can be worn all day as long as it does not become damaged, damp or dirty. Do not share your mask with others. Remove your mask with clean hands when you are safely able to do so and wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not place your used mask into your pocket. Do not wear your mask around your neck, on your forehead, under your nose, only on your nose, on your chin, one ear, on . To store, fold it in half so that the outer surface is inwards (so that the contaminated outer surface is not contacting anything during storage) and place it in a clean, sealable bag until ready to use it again the same day.

can be worn all day as long as it does not become damaged, damp or dirty. Do not share your mask with others. Remove your mask with clean hands when you are safely able to do so and wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not place your used mask into your pocket. Disposable masks should be removed and replaced if soiled or damaged and are for one time use only and need to be thrown into the garbage after use.

How should I store my mask when I am not wearing it?

You may reuse a cloth mask that is not damaged, damp or dirty. Here are the steps to take to safely store your mask between uses: Wait until you are in a private or open space to remove your mask

Fold the mask so that the outer surface faces inwards

Place the mask in a clean bag—not your pocket

Practice good hand hygiene each time you handle your mask. Note that cloth masks are considered contaminated after use and need to be washed before reuse. Paper or plastic bags should be discarded in a lined garbage bin. For more information please visit the FAQ on How do I wash, re-use, and discard a cloth mask? A disposable mask can be re-used, so long as it is not damp, damaged or dirty and has been stored between uses as described above. At the end of a full day’s wear, however, or if the disposable mask has become damp, dirty or damaged, it is best to throw out the mask. Discard used masks in a garbage bin lined with a plastic bag. After breaks such as mealtimes, you can reuse a disposable mask if it is still appearing clean, dry, undamaged and you have stored it appropriately between uses. You can temporarily store disposable masks by using the same method as cloth masks.

It’s too hot, should I wear a mask?

Wearing a mask is important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is now mandatory to wear masks in many indoor public spaces.

When outside, you may not need to wear a mask if physical distancing of two metres (six feet) can be maintained.

Although wearing masks may become more uncomfortable in hot temperatures, they will still work and are required under the by-law for all indoor public areas. You may need to change your mask more frequently in hot and humid temperatures as it may become damp more quickly.

Plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day and take breaks in the shade or cool environment if you find wearing a face mask uncomfortable in the heat. Outdoor workers: For people undertaking physical exertion in heat, a mask can make the effort more difficult. Decreasing intensity and volume of work, taking more frequent rests and taking more cooling breaks may be necessary. Maintain physical distance wherever possible as when outside you may not need to wear a mask if physical distancing is maintained. Discuss with your employer.

Masks and Children

Children under two years of age, or children under the age of five years either chronologically or developmentally who refuse to wear a mask and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver can be exempt from wearing masks. Encourage your child to wear a mask by the following: Explain why

Kids watch, listen and learn. Explaining the importance of mask wearing in simple terms can help them understand why wearing a mask is important. Allow them to ask questions and express their feelings. You may want to start by reading a bit on how to help children cope with stressful public events to give you some guidance.

Give choices

Consider letting your little one(s) choose their mask pattern and/or colour. Kids like to feel independent and being given choices. If you are able, include your child in selecting a cloth mask of their choice.

Include masks in imaginative play

Young children have amazing imaginations. Include a few cloth masks in their playtime and see what they come up with. Having masks present in their environment will let them become more comfortable to the look and feel of masks.

Set an example

When heading out in public, show your kids how you put on your mask and explain why you are doing it – to protect those around you. Be a role model of the behaviours you are hoping to imprint on your youngest. Kids absorb information so quickly and mirror behaviours they see, especially of their care takers. For more info visit: Kids and Masks: Tips from an Expert

Should I wear a mask when I exercise?

Wearing a mask when exercising may not be comfortable because of higher heart and breathing rates. The By-law exempts temporary removal of masks for the purpose of engaging in an athletic or fitness activity, this includes water-based activities, including lifeguards who work at indoor pools. Exercising without a mask is safer outdoors. If you are exercising outdoors, briefly passing someone on the sidewalk or road is not considered a significant risk for exposure to COVID-19. When exercising outdoors (such as jogging, cycling or skateboarding) here are some ways to stay safe: Maintain at least a two-metre (six feet) distance from others

When in single file, spacing needs to increase with speed of movement

Step-aside or pass others quickly and courteously on sidewalks

If you are with others, travel in single file to allow others to pass safely

If possible, consider using shared paths and sidewalks when it’s less busy For more information on staying active during COVID-19, visit our webpage.

Do I need to wear a mask if I am travelling?

All air passengers now need to have a mask to cover their mouth, nose, and chin during travel.

People travelling on OC Transpo are required to wear a cloth mask: visit octranspo.com for more details.

For information on the other modes of travel, please visit: COVID-19 information for travellers (Transport Canada).

How do I pick-up a discarded mask?

It is recommended not to handle a mask or face covering belonging to someone else and not to allow other people to handle or touch your mask or face covering. However, if you choose to pick-up a discarded mask, here are some tips on how to do it safely: Treat all masks as contaminated

Pick the mask up by the strap

Drop the mask in a lined garbage bin. Regardless of how you pick up a discarded mask, wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately afterwards. For more information please visit the FAQ on How do I wash, re-use, and discard a cloth mask?

Can I re-use a disposable mask?

A disposable mask can be re-used during a single day if it: Is not damp, damaged or dirty

Has been stored appropriately between uses. At the end of a full day’s wear, however, or at any time that a disposable mask has become damp, dirty or damaged, it should be discarded in a lined garbage bin.

How can you clearly communicate with people who have a hearing impairment and read lips while wearing a mask?

Some people who are deaf or hard of hearing rely on lip reading to help understand verbal messages, and masks may create a barrier. Employees should adaptable and kind when communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, particularly when wearing a mask, and let the person suggest their preferred way of communicating. Customers and employees can communicate by: using the written word such as text, pen & paper

using a phone or on an app such as a voice to text app

sharing information through signage and visual tools There may be situations where someone who is deaf or hard of hearing may require an employee to remove their mask to speak to them. When not wearing a mask remember to physical distance at least two meters (6 feet). Store used mask in reusable plastic bag. Remember to be COVID Kind.

What information do business operators, the public and sighted guides need to consider when in contact with people who are blind or who have low vision?

Measures for physical distancing, including floor markings and directional signage, may not be visible to people who are blind or who have low vision. Staff can help by giving the person verbal directions on where to stand, when a line is moving, or when it is their turn to be served or to board a bus or train. People who are blind or who have low vision may have a sighted guide or a guide dog to assist them with their daily needs, including travelling to stores and appointments. Guide dogs are not trained in physical distancing, so it is recommended to keep a 2 metre distance from the guide dogs as well as their owners. As always, ignore a guide dog when it is working (wearing a vest or harness). In addition, as many people who are blind or have low vison must physically touch objects for support or to obtain information, ongoing cleaning and disinfection should be performed by businesses. Specific attention should be given to high touch areas/surfaces such as entrance doors reserved for persons with disabilities, handrails on ramps or staircases, and accessibility buttons for doors.

I am worried about wearing a mask, what can I do to decrease my worry?

Sometimes, you may feel anxious about wearing a mask as it can make it feel difficult to breathe. It may take time to get used to the feeling of something covering your mouth and nose. As you become more comfortable wearing a mask, that feeling will most likely decrease over time. Some suggestions you can try: Prior to wearing a mask, you can try mindful breathing, by bringing your thoughts and focus on your breath. Sit comfortably, with your knees bent and your shoulders, head and neck relaxed and place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe. Inhale through your nose, the hand below your rib cage should move out. Tighten your stomach muscles, letting them fall inward as you exhale through your mouth. Practice deep breathing for about 15-30 seconds. This may help with worry related to wearing a mask. For additional tips on building resilience, check out our have THAT talk Building Resilience activity guide.

This may help with worry related to wearing a mask. For additional tips on building resilience, check out our have THAT talk Building Resilience activity guide. Wear your mask around your home, for short periods of time, to get comfortable wearing it.

Try wearing your mask in stages. Example: Begin by wearing it during a short trip to run an errand or to attend an appointment. This may help you see how long you are able to tolerate the mask.

Avoid trips to the grocery store or to run errands at peak times when you may have to wear your mask for a longer period. Remember, you can go outside and take off your mask when it is safe to do so (maintaining physical distance, 2 meters from others) and take a few deep breaths.

How do I safely take off my mask in public if I am worried or feel like I am having trouble breathing?

If you are feeling anxious or are having trouble breathing because of wearing a mask, try to go outside and remove your mask when you are at least 2 metres away from other people, so you can continue to practice physical distancing. Ensure you wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after removing your mask or anytime you wish to adjust your mask. Remove your mask by touching only the ear loops or ties. When you are breathing comfortably and feeling calm, you may put the mask back on with clean hands. For further guidance please refer to the OPH video on how to properly wear and remove a mask.

What can I do if my mask feels uncomfortable or tight?