The Ottawa Public Health is reminding people to carry their used cloth face mask in a plastic bag if they plan to reuse it during the day.
The health unit is sharing tips for individuals who want to reuse their cloth face mask during the day while at work, shopping, or doing other things during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been three weeks since the Medical Officer of Health made face masks mandatory in all indoor public spaces to limit the spread of COVID-19. A face mask can be a cloth mask, a disposable mask, or a medical mask.
Based on a statement on its website, the Ottawa Public Health stated that cloth masks can be reused throughout the day if not soiled and undamaged.
When you go to remove your face mask, do with clean hands. Remove the mask from your face and fold it in half so that the outer surface is inwards and place it in a clean, sealable bag until ready to use it again the same day.
When folded in half, the contaminated outer surface is not in contact with anything during storage. You can carry your used mask in a plastic bag stored in your bag, purse, or pocket.
The Ottawa Public Health recommends keeping the cloth mask in a plastic bag until it can be disposed of properly in the trash or wash in the machine upon reaching home.
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Learn how to stay safe by enrolling in a mask fitting test which is a requirement for many workplaces and school admissions or the available masks for sale by visiting our face mask sale page.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/face-masks-importance-battle-with-covid19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-coverings-information.pdf