FACE MASKS
City of Hamilton Guidelines, Wearing a mask or face covering will be required in enclosed public spaces beginning July 20, 2020 under City of Hamilton By-Law 20-155.
The mask or face covering should cover your nose, mouth and chin, without gaping.
Wearing a mask or face covering is an additional measure we can take to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and keep each other safe.
This means that, with some exceptions, all persons, including customers and/or visitors entering an enclosed premise are required to wear a mask or face covering while in the enclosed space.
Do face coverings protect you from COVID-19?
Wearing a face covering or mask when you are sick protects people who are around you. Since some people who are infected with COVID-19 may have the virus and not know it, whenever people are going out and might come into close contact with other people, they should wear a face covering or mask. When other people wear a face covering or mask, they are helping to protect you as well.
It is recommended that you use a face covering or non-medical mask to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 when physical distancing (keeping at least two metres from others) may not be possible. When you wear a face covering or mask, you help to protect others. When others wear a face covering or mask, they help to protect you.
The best way to protect yourself is to:
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Minimize the number of trips/time in public spaces
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Avoid close contact with others and keep at least two metres from others outside your household
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Wash your hands regularly (or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available)
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Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette (for example, sneeze and cough into your sleeve and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth)
Info-graphic on how masks work
How to wear face coverings?
Non-medical masks or face coverings should:
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Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
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Maintain their shape after washing and drying
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Be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material (such as cotton or linen)
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Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping
When wearing a face covering or mask:
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Immediately wash your hands before putting the face covering or mask on, before adjusting it, before taking it off and after taking it off. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands.
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Make sure the face covering fits well, covering your mouth, nose and chin. The mask should fit your face, leaving no gaps on the sides.
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Make sure your face covering or mask is secured to your head with ties or ear loops without the need to adjust frequently.
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Ensure that the pleats on the outside are facing down, if your mask has pleats.
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Gently mould the metal strip over the bridge of your nose to ensure a close fit, if your mask has one.
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Avoid moving the face covering or mask around or touching the covering while using it.
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Do not share your face covering or mask with others, even within your own household.
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Do not leave your face covering or mask tucked under your chin, hanging from your ear, or on your forehead.
Replace the face covering or mask as soon as it becomes damp, dirty, damaged or if it has shrunk after washing and drying
Removing & disposing of face coverings
Wearing a face covering or mask can increase your risk of infection if you touch your face more frequently to adjust it or if you do not wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off.
When taking off a face covering or mask:
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Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and then remove your face covering or mask by pulling the ties or ear loops away from your ears.
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Put the face covering or mask into a bag to keep it separate from other items until it can be washed or thrown out in a lined garbage bin
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If your face covering or mask has a removable, non-reusable filter, make sure to remove and throw it out before washing your mask.
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To wash the face covering or mask, put it directly into the washing machine. Throw out the bag it was stored in. Wash your hands again with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling your face covering or mask.
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Wash the face covering or mask with other laundry using a hot water cycle. No special soaps are needed.
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Disposable masks should not be washed, reused or recycled.
When disposing of a damaged/dirty face covering or mask:
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Throw it out into a lined garbage bin.
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Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Do not leave any discarded masks in shopping carts or on the ground.
Temporary Removal of Face Coverings if Physical Distancing is Possible
Members of the public are permitted to temporarily remove their face covering or mask where necessary for the purpose of:
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Receiving services (including eating or drinking when dine-in services are allowed) or
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While actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity including water-based activities.
Ensure you wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after removing your face covering or mask.
Evidence on face coverings & mask wearing
Evidence shows that mask use supported by societal norms and government policies is associated with less mortality from COVID-19.
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Wearing any mask helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
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Benefits are increased when masks are worn properly (securely cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping).
Mask use should be combined with other protective measures, such as physical distancing, hand washing, not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and staying home if you are sick.
Why face coverings & masks are important now?
As more businesses, establishments and public spaces re-open and people increase their contacts, there is a risk of increasing infections and outbreaks from COVID-19. When you wear a mask or face covering, you help to protect others. When others wear a mask or face covering, they help to protect you.
Increasing scientific evidence supports wearing a mask when in enclosed public spaces as an important measure in reducing COVID-19 spread, while the risk of infection continues.
Face shields as an alternative to masks
Face shields are meant to be used for barrier protection for the facial area and would not be considered a substitute for wearing a face mask or face covering. Face shields do not provide any filtering against respiratory droplets. A face shield may protect the wearer against droplets expelled from another person, however, some of these droplets may still be inhaled around the shield.
Respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer may escape around the sides of the face shield, which therefore provides sub optimal protection to others. If you choose to wear a face shield, it is recommended - if possible - to wear it in addition to a properly fitted cloth masks.
Providing service to people unable to wear a face covering
Not everyone is able to wear a face covering or mask. Please be respectful of people who are unable to wear one due to health, age or other reasons. Consider offering or accessing alternative services (e.g. online, telephone, curbside pickup) or offer off-peak hour service.
