Notes to Consider
Our face masks are not surgical masks. They are made out of a double-layered, soft cotton blend. This design meets the Government of Canada’s requirements for non-medical face masks. Canadian Face Masks will keep you protected without reducing the supply of medical-grade face masks for front-line workers.
Even while wearing a mask, it is very important that you continue to social distance and keep your hands clean. A non-medical face mask should be used along with other measures to keep yourself and others safe.
As university students, we are not healthcare professionals. The information below is from the reliable sources that we have researched.
Face Masks’ Role Against COVID-19
It is extremely important to reduce all transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Only going into the community for essential outings reduces the likelihood of community transmission.
If you have any symptoms, it is extremely important that you wear a mask to reduce the spread of the virus particles that you could be producing. Coughing and speaking both produce droplets that can carry COVID-19 that can be breathed in by others. A face mask acts as a barrier between these particles and a person.
For a face mask to be effective, it must be worn properly.
Wearing a Face Mask
Cleaning Your Hands
The first step before putting on or taking off a face mask is cleaning your hands. To clean your hands properly, follow these steps:
If using soap and water
If using hand sanitizer
Putting on a Face Mask
- Pick your mask up and make sure it has no holes.
- Find the front and the back of the mask. (Our mask backside is the side with visible stitching)
- Find the top of the mask (Our mask’s top has a triangular shape that will cover your nose).
- With the front of the mask facing outwards and the top facing up, hold the mask by only the ear loops. Do not touch the front of the mask.
- Place the ear loops around each ear.
Your mask is now on your face, but now must be formed to your face.
- Pull the bottom of your mask over your chin and mouth and over your nose.
Remember, the mask should also be covering your nose completely. This may feel uncomfortable at first but is extremely important!
Your mask should feel tight on your face and there should be no gaps at the front or sides of your mask.
Once your mask is on, do not adjust it.
You may feel hot or sweat inside of the mask, but it is extremely important that you do not adjust it with dirty hands.
Taking off a Face Mask
Many people forget this important step. Follow closely!
At this time, remember that your mask is dirty. Do not touch the front of your mask.
- Clean your hands with hand sanitizer or soap and water.
- Hold the ear loops out to the sides of your face. Do not bring the loops or your hands close to the front of your mask
- Sticking your face out forward slightly and looking down and holding onto the ear loops, slowly move the mask off of your face.
- Once your mask is taken off, place it directly in the washing machine to wash or in a plastic bag.
- Clean your hands after you take your mask off.
Washing a Canadian Face Mask
Your Canadian face mask should be washed with soapy water.
All Canadian Face masks except for Tie Dyed Masks can be washed with other clothes on low-to-medium heat.
- Tie Dyed masks should be hand washed with cold water to prevent the dye from running
As masks are made from cotton, they are subject to shrinkage in the wash if put on high heat.