COVID-19 Why were face masks not recommended at the start of the pandemic? Early on in the year, experts didn’t know that people who had caught the virus without knowing it could transmit it to others, so there wasn’t a compelling reason to ask people with no symptoms to wear masks. What is the current “official” position on mask use? On May 20, Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam upgraded her guidance on mask use from “permissive” to “specific recommendation.” Her new advice was to wear non-medical face masks when it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance from others, such as in grocery stores. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of masks, but does not take a hard-line position and cautions that masks alone do not offer sufficient protection. What materials are suitable for a mask? While disposable surgical or medical masks provide the best filtration, a brand-new study concluded that cloth masks help reduce viral transmission if widely used. “Look for a durable material with a reasonable ability to withstand some moisture,” says Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, an assistant professor of medicine at the Toronto Western Hospital, who gives top marks to antimicrobial cotton. Bandannas, T-shirts or even bedsheets will also do the trick, as long as the fabric has a fairly tight weave and can handle some rough-and-tumble in the washing machine. At the same time, you need to strike a balance between filtration and breathability. Ideally, the mask should have more than one layer of fabric. Mask manners There’s no point in wearing a mask unless you do it right. Here is the proper technique: • Place the mask over your mouth and nose, making sure that you tie or secure it snugly. • Don’t touch your mask while wearing it. If you accidentally do, wash or sanitize your hands. • Remove the mask without touching the front or your face. • Wash your hands immediately. Do I need to wear a mask outdoors? It depends. “If everyone were to maintain proper physical distancing at all times, the added value of wearing cloth masks would be very low,” says Dr. Matthew Oughton, director of the infectious diseases training program at McGill University Health Centre. And there’s no need to wear a mask if you’re engaged in a solo activity such as gardening in your own backyard, far from other humans. However, you should keep your mask handy for scenarios that could thrust you too close to others − think bus stop or bakery lineup. Remember that wearing a mask offers a two-way benefit. “It protects you from acquiring the virus and protects other people from catching viruses which you may be harbouring without knowing it,” says Dr. Yves Longtin, chair of infection control at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital, noting that “half of people with COVID-19 present no symptoms.” And the more people do it, the greater the benefit to all. The Barrier Effect Get the straight facts on masks and gloves as protection against COVID-19 And what about gloves? Um, let me get back to you on that If you’re confused about masks and gloves, you’re in good company. Since the topic first entered the public consciousness in March 2020, advice has mutated just about every week. That said, a consensus seems to be building, which makes this a good time to provide an update. In addition to reviewing the evidence and recommendations, we’ve talked to five infectious disease specialists to clarify the fine points. No need to wear masks if you’re healthy Sorry, masks do work − but only the medical kind Oh wait, the home-made kind of masks also help Best to wear them at all times Correction, you only need to wear them in crowded or enclosed spaces Does that include your car? Depends ? by Gabrielle Bauer 34 | www.snowbirds.org
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