Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.” We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.
Today’s question is about the use of non-medical masks.

With the spread of COVID-19, should I use non-medical masks when I go outside?

The COVID-19 virus spreads from person-to-person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. New findings suggest that some people can spread the virus before symptoms show up.  

Good hygiene (e.g. hand washing) and physical distancing (e.g. distancing 2 metres from others) are the most effective ways to protect you and others from exposure to COVID-19.
However, wearing a non-medical mask, such as homemade fabric masks, may help protect others where physical distancing is difficult to maintain (e.g. on transit, in a grocery store).

If you are not sick and choose to wear a mask, use a non-medical mask.

Medical masks on the other hand, are in limited supply and should be conserved as personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers, paramedics and caregivers at home or in institutional settings as they are at the highest risk of exposure to the virus.  Individuals with symptoms should also wear medical masks, if available, or an alternative face covering to prevent transmission of the virus to others. However, even when wearing a mask, a sick person should always attempt to keep a distance of 2 metres (or 6 feet) from others.

During this pandemic, whether you decide to wear a mask or not, Peel Public Health recommends that all residents stay at home and only leave their homes once a week, or as little as possible, for essentials like groceries, medicines or medical appointments.

More information about mask use in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at peelregion.ca/coronavirus/prevention/

Learn how to wear, remove, wash and make homemade masks from Public Health Ontario and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

If you’ve got a question about the City, we want to hear from you!
Please send your questions to info@modernmississauga.com with “Ask the City” in the subject line.