COVID-19: Masks

How to use a mask

Masks can become contaminated on the outside or when touched with hands.

It’s important that masks are used and disposed of properly. If worn incorrectly, you can accidently spread infection instead of preventing it.

• Guidance for wearing non-medical masks
• Types of masks and eye protection (PDF, 84 KB)

What not to do

• Don't touch your face under the mask
• Don't touch the front of the mask – remove or adjust using the ties or ear loops
• Don't wear it under your nose or your chin
• Don't wear a wet, torn or dirty mask
• Don’t wear the same mask for a long period of time – change when it becomes damp
• Don’t share with another person

How to care for your cloth mask

• Store masks in a sealed and clean storage bag and place in a dry area of your home.
• Put cloth masks directly into the washing machine or in a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine. Throw out the bag after you’ve used it to store masks.
• Launder with other items using a hot cycle, and then dry thoroughly.
• Inspect the mask for damage prior to reuse.

How to make or buy a mask

Making a mask

• There are many ways to make a cloth mask. Health Canada provides instructions with sew and no-sew options.
  • Choose a fabric or cloth that can withstand frequent cycles through washing and drying machines
  • Use multiple layers of tight woven fabric – 4 layers is optimal.
  • Use a combination of fabrics such as a high thread count cotton (e.g. 600-thread count pillowcases and cotton sheets) with spun bond polyproplylene or polyester.
  • Use different fabrics or colours for each side of the mask. This helps you to know which side faces your mouth and which side faces out.

Buying a mask

• Make sure cloth masks:
  • have multiple layers of fabric
  • fits securely against your face
  • allows for clear breathing
  • can be laundered

Personal protective equipment

Buying PPE

• Businesses can connect to suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE) through:
  • Rapid Response Platform Canada
  • ATB Nexus

We do not endorse any particular vendor and are not responsible for products or prices offered on these sites.

Manufacturing PPE

• Alberta-based businesses that manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) can find out how to help at Alberta Bits and Pieces.

Medical masks

• Medical masks include N95 masks and surgical or procedure masks:
  • N95 masks protect from exposure to biological aerosols that may contain viruses or bacteria. They are generally only required during specific, high-risk medical procedures.
  • Surgical or procedure masks provide a barrier to splashes, droplets, saliva or spit. They are not designed to fit tightly against the face.
• These masks should be kept for health care workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients.
• They may also be recommended for use in some workplaces, like salons, where there is prolonged close contact with people.

Gloves

It is not necessary to wear gloves in public. If you choose to wear gloves, remember:

• wash your hands before you put them on and immediately after taking them off
• change gloves if:
  • you touch your face – eyes, nose or mouth
  • you cover a cough or sneeze with your hands while wearing gloves
  • they become dirty or torn
• discard gloves in a lined garbage bin after taking them off

To avoid spreading germs or COVID-19:

• do not touch your face or mask with your gloves
• do not touch any personal items (cell phone, bag, credit card) that you might touch again with bare hands
• do not to try to wash gloves or use hand sanitizer with gloves on

Resources

Share your concerns

Let us know about your experience receiving masks through the Masks for Albertans program. We may contact you for more information, if required. Please do not call 211 for complaints.