Masks

Parents and caregivers may have questions about the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators (such as N95s) for children. Although respirators may be available in smaller sizes, they are typically designed to be used by adults in workplaces, and therefore have not been tested for broad use in children.  

Selecting Masks  

Is a face shield a good alternative for someone who can't wear a mask?

A face shield would not be considered an equal substitute for a face mask as it does not provide filtering capacity. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of face shields as a “better than nothing” alternative to face masks if there is a shortage of non-medical masks or for populations who are not able to properly wear masks, such as individuals with a respiratory condition that prevents them from wearing a mask. The WHO makes note that face shields are inferior to face masks at preventing the spread of an infection through droplets and at a minimum should extend below the chin and cover the sides of the face.  

Can I wear my mask all day?

A cloth or disposable mask can be worn all day as long as it does not become damaged, damp or dirty. Disposable masks are for one time use only and need to be thrown into the garbage after a day’s use.  

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

While mask requirements for travel have been lifted, Ottawa Public Health strongly recommends you wear a well-fitted mask to protect yourself and others when travelling, including public transportation.

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 be 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 and 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 (six feet). Store used mask in reusable plastic bag. 

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

All masks are not made the same and may fit differently. 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). Your mask should fit snugly around your face; however, it should not hurt your face. Do not wear your mask around your neck, on your forehead, under your nose, only on your nose or chin, hanging from one ear, or on your arm.

Can I wear my mask all day?

A cloth or disposable mask can be worn all day as long as it does not become damaged, damp or dirty. Disposable masks are for one time use only and need to be thrown into the garbage after a day’s use. 

When can I take off my mask? 

You can take off your mask if/when: 

• You have difficulty breathing, or
• You are not able to tolerate it for health reasons

And

• You are safely able to maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet) or more.

Note: If your mask becomes damp or dirty, you should exchange it for a new one if you are still in a situation where you need to wear a mask.

Wearing masks indoors and outdoors in crowded spaces, staying up to date on your vaccines, staying home when sick and washing your hands are all behaviours that will help stop the spread of respiratory illnesses. 

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, go outside and remove your mask when you are at least two metres (six feet) away from other people, so you can continue to practise physical distancing. Ensure you wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after removing 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.

How do I wash, re-use, and discard a cloth mask?

To wash a cloth mask, follow these steps: 

• After cleaning your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, remove your mask by pulling the ties or ear loops away from your ears. 
• If your mask has a removable, single-use filter, make sure to remove and throw out the filter before machine or hand-washing your mask. 
• For machine washing, put the mask directly into the washing machine. You can wash it with other laundry using a hot water cycle.  
• If you stored the mask in a bag that is washable, you can wash it with your mask; otherwise, throw the bag out. 
• For hand washing, use laundry detergent and water as hot as it is safe, then wash, rinse and dry thoroughly. 
• Clean your hands again with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling your mask.

Note: Disposable masks should not be washed.

To discard disposable, damaged or worn out masks, throw them in a lined garbage bin. Do not leave any discarded masks in places where others can come in contact with them, such as shopping carts, public seats, bus stops or on the ground. 

To re-use a mask, remove it from your face with clean hands and 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. Do not leave a mask that has absorbed moisture from your breath in a non-breathable bag or container for more than an hour or so.

Note: Disposable masks should not be used for more than one day.

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 clean 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 taking off your mask. Only take off your glasses and mask when you can clean your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Your glasses can be washed with soap and water to decrease potential transmission of COVID-19. 

Do I need to shave off my beard for my mask to be effective?

No. The purpose of the mask is to block respiratory droplets. A mask with three layers that fits securely over the chin without gapping (compressing the beard as necessary) will block respiratory droplets quite well.

Remember that wearing a mask does not replace other protective measures, such as being up to date and having received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including any booster dose(s), physical distancing, hand washing and not touching your face with unwashed hands. Keeping the beard clean is also important.

Please note these recommendations do not apply for health-care workers, who need to follow the guidelines from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

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

• A mask must be worn underneath these coverings to ensure the best fit against the face. Make sure the mask fully covers your nose and mouth; fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face without gapping; can be secured with ties or ear loops and allows for easy breathing. 

Note: Wearing a single, layered head covering does not replace a cloth mask. Hijabs, niqabs and burkas are not designed to block respiratory droplets and may not be effective.