National recommendation to wear face masks in public

Canada’s chief public health officer is stressing that a face mask should not replace other measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, like physical distancing, handwashing and staying out of public places when you can.

But Doctor Theresa Tam is now fully recommending that Canadians wear non-medical face masks in public, whenever they aren’t able to keep their distance from others at all times.

The advice is slightly stronger than previous recommendations that people should consider wearing a face mask in public.

Health experts say wearing a mask mainly helps protect others from you if you are carrying the virus.

More M-Ps and cabinet ministers were seen arriving in masks on Parliament Hill today for the weekly in-person COVID-19 committee sitting.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has started wearing a mask when he is out of his home and can’t be two metres away from others at all times.

Canadian health officials once recommended against the wearing of face masks but adjusted that advice in early April when it became clear COVID-19 can be spread by people who aren’t showing symptoms.