Wear a mask when needed
Some countries have advocated for the use of face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Please follow the local recommendations of public health agencies regarding the use of masks in your region.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon
Table of Contents
- Masking
- Proper use of masks
- Other considerations (people with disabilities, exercise, other)
- References
In order to make data available for Canadians, people living in the United States, and the rest of the world, we included information from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. See below for information about masks from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and World Health Organization.
1. Masking
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
When to wear a mask:
- Stores
- Schools
- Businesses
- Workplaces
- Public transit
Who are medical masks recommended for?
- People at a higher risk of more severe diseases/outcomes of COVID-19
- Individuals at a higher risk of COVID-19 because of their living situation.
Even if masks are not mandated in an area, wearing a mask may give you an extra layer of protection against COVID-19.
Non-medical masks or face coverings should be worn by:
- People caring for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms and individuals with COVID-19 symptoms if medical masks are unavailable
- Individuals in quarantine (self-isolation)
- General public when physical (social) distancing is not possible (i.e. it is not possible to consistently maintain at least 2 metres or 6 feet from others) in public areas (e.g. grocery stores and public transit)
- Air passengers are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when flying into or within Canada
Non-medical masks and face coverings should NOT:
- Be placed on children under age 2
- Be placed on anyone who has trouble breathing
- Be placed on anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance
- plastic Be placed on pets
- Be made out of non-breathable materials, such as
- Be made out of materials that can easily fall apart
- Be secured with inappropriate materials, such as tape
- Be shared with others
- Impair vision or your ability to carry out tasks
It is not recommended to use masks with valves or vents.
Change a cloth mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled
Read more here:
- Public Health Agency of Canada. Non-medical masks and face coverings: About. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html
- Public Health Agency of Canada. COVID-19 medical masks and respirators: Overview. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment/medical-masks-respirators.html
- COVID-19 Mask Use- Advice for community settings https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html#a1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Who should wear a mask?
- Everyone aged 2 years and older who is not fully vaccinated
- Everyone aged 2 years and older in areas with high COVID-19 Community Levels,* regardless of vaccination status
- Everyone in K-12 schools, including teachers, staff, students, and visitors
- Everyone who is sick or caring for someone with COVID-19
- Everyone who is at greater risk for severe COVID-19, including those who are immunocompromised
- Everyone using public transportation within the United States
Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2, individuals who have trouble breathing, or those who are unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Masks and respirators both protect against the virus that causes COVID-19, but well-fitting masks and respirators offer the best protection.
Combining a disposable and cloth mask can offer greater levels of protection.
*Note: COVID-19 Community Levels are ranked as low, medium, or high, and can be determined here
Read more here:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Considerations for Wearing Masks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Protect Yourself. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Considerations for Wearing Masks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO recommends the public wears reusable non-medical masks, disposable medical masks or other types of well-fitting non-medical masks if other options are not available
Physical distancing should continue to be maintained alongside wearing a mask.
Masks should be worn by the general public in settings were COVID-19 is spreading when:
- Interacting with individuals outside of your household
- in indoor settings where ventilation is poor or unknown,
- in indoor settings with adequate ventilation if physical distancing cannot be maintained; or
- in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Masks should not be required for children under 5 years of age. If a circumstance requires the child to wear a mask, they should be supervised and provided assistance.
Children between the ages of 6-11 in areas where COVID-19 is spreading
Children over the age of 12 are recommended to wear masks under the same conditions as adults.
Disposable medical masks are recommended for:
– People 60 years of age or over.
– People of any age with underlying health conditions, including chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, immunocompromised patients and diabetes mellitus
– People who feel unwell or show mild symptoms
People waiting for COVID-19 test results or who recently tested positive.
A respirator or a medical mask should be worn by to caregivers attending to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
Read more here:
- World Health Organization. Contact tracing and quarantine in the context of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant: interim guidance. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-Contact-tracing-and-quarantine-Omicron-variant-2022.1
- World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
2. Proper use of masks
Videos: Proper use of non-medical masks
How to wear a non-medical mask or face covering safely:
How to wear a medical mask safely
.png?w=1108&ssl=1)
3. Other considerations (people with disabilities, exercise, other)
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Non-medical mask or face covering guidance for schools
- Currently recommended for children above 10 years of age.
- Use age-appropriate language to remind individuals wearing masks to avoid touching their mask and to follow preventative measures such as hand hygiene and physical (social) distancing
- Non-medical masks should not be worn by those who cannot remove their mask without help, whether due to age, ability or developmental status
- Ensure non-medical masks are sized appropriately and worn properly
- Masks containing exhalation valves are not recommended
- Change and replace non-medical masks if they become wet or dirty
- It is recommended that parents/ guardians provide a second clean and dry mask for children to keep in their school bags to replace the initial wet/dirty mask.
- Ensure non-medical masks are worn safely as they can become an inadvertent hazard (e.g. entangled on playground equipment)
- It is essential that parents/guardians evaluate each child’s ability to correctly use and care for non-medical masks
Read more here:
- Public Health Agency of Canada. COVID-19 Guidance for schools Kindergarten to Grade 12. https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/15e37693-d0c8-4ef1-bd47-8c26749c3054
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Individuals working with or who are deaf/hard of hearing can consider wearing a clear face covering. Other alternatives include: written communication, closed captioning, and decreasing background noise to facilitate smoother communication.
Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities can consult their healthcare providers about wearing a mask
Remind children above the age of 2 about mask use and educate them about the importance of masks. Respirators are typically designed for adults and may not fit your child’s face.
While partaking in certain activities, wearing a mask may be inappropriate, including the in following situations:
- When a mask may become wet (e.g. swimming at the beach/pool)
- High intensity activities where it may be difficult to breathe (e.g. running)
- When working in a setting where mask use could increase risk of heat-related illness or become a safety hazard
Cloth Face Masks in Schools – General Tips:
- Due to insufficient evidence of efficacy, face shields should not be used in place of masks.
- Label children’s masks with their names to prevent confusion. Mark the top, bottom, front, and back areas of masks to encourage proper mask usage among children.
- Have children pick out the material for their face coverings to encourage mask usage.
- Have parents and caregivers wear masks as an example for children to follow.
Read more here:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Considerations for Wearing Masks. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
World Health Organization (WHO)
Wearing a mask during vigorous exercise may reduce your ability to breath comfortably, or result in your mask becoming wet or damp and losing its effectiveness.
It is recommended to:
– exercise outdoors with physical distancing when possible
– If indoors, exercise in an area with good ventilation, physically distance, and frequently clean your hands and equipment
It is recommended to wear fabric masks on school grounds.
- Individuals should follow national or regional guidelines regarding mask and face covering use
Masks should not be mandatory for children with severe cognitive or respiratory conditions, developmental disorders or disabilities. A case by case basis of assessment is necessary to determine if the use of a mask is appropriate.
A mask is not recommended to be worn while a child is playing, doing physical activities or sports. Rather, physical distancing and hand hygiene are encouraged in these circumstances.
In situations where a mask cannot be worn (ex. mouth visibility is needed), a face shield that covers the entire face can be used. Care should be taken as face shields do not provide the same protection as masks, and injuries can be sustained if they break.
Read more here:
- World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Mythbusters https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
- World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
- World Health Organization. Q&A: Schools and COVID-19. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-schools-and-covid-19
- World Health Organization. Q&A: Children and masks related to COVID-19. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-children-and-masks-related-to-covid-19
Disclaimer: The information regarding COVID-19 is changing constantly as more data become available. The information provided in this website is not meant to replace diabetes healthcare team or public health agencies recommendations, and is intended for information purposes only. Please check with your healthcare providers for any deviations from your care plans.