The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) sent out advice about the use of non-medical and cloth face masks.
“Non-medical and cloth face masks are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with everyday preventive actions and physical distancing, especially in public settings,” said a July 20 release.
The SHA advised to wear a mask correctly including washing your hands before putting on the face covering, put the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin, fit it snugly by the side of your face and make sure that breathing is easy.
They advised that cloth face masks should be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen.
They advised to use masks to protect others.
“Wear a non-medical or cloth mask to help protect others, even when you don’t have symptoms. Wear the covering in public settings when around people outside of your household, especially when other physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain,”
They advised to launder cloth masks after every use. Wash your cloth mask with hot, soapy water and let it dry completely before wearing it again, replace any mask if it’s dirty or soiled, and store a re-usable mask in a clean environment until you wear it again.
Also, you should avoid touching and adjusting the mask once it’s on, if you touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.
Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead, share your mask, re-use disposable masks or leave your used mask within the reach of others.
Children under two years old, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear cloth face coverings.
To take off the face cover you should untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops, handle only by the ear loops or ties, fold outside corners together, place used cloth covering in the washing machine and place used disposable masks in a plastic lined garbage bin.
“Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after your mask is removed,” the release stated
“Remember that wearing a non-medical mask or face covering alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must also wash your hands often, practise physical distancing and stay home if you are ill,” it added.
Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab has advised that everyone should carry a mask and practice using it. They should be put on, he said, if you’re in a place where physical distancing cannot be guaranteed.
Shahab carries a mask with him in his pocket should he need it at some point. At this point in time, the province is not considering a mandatory mask order. Quebec, however, has made masks mandatory in public spaces.
— with files from Peter Lozinski, Prince Albert Daily Herald
