Masks

Interpretation
of Mask Wearing in Restaurants & Bars for Phase 5 

  • Masks are required
    when entering/leaving a restaurant or bar
  • Masks are required
    when going to washroom
  • Masks are required
    when dancing
  • Masks are required
    when leaving a seat or from a standing position at a high-top table or a bar
    counter
  • Masks are not
    required when sitting to eat/drink
  • Masks are not
    required when standing at a high-top table to eat/drink
  • Masks
    are     not required when standing at bar counter to eat /drink


Approved Masks by Health Canada

There are some
plastic masks in healthcare that are deemed class 1 medical devices and are
approved for use by Health Canada. A COVID-19 medical device may be approved
for sale or import into Canada through several pathways and an approved list
can be viewed at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/medical-devices/authorized/other.html

Section 5.15 of the Order under the HPA notes that, a “mask” means a
commercial medical or non-medical mask or a home-made mask made as per the PHAC
instructions located at: https://www.canada.ca/en/publichealth/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/sew-no-sewinstructions-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html,
that covers the nose and mouth.

 

While it is permitted to wear a
commercial medical mask, Health Canada recommends that medical masks, including
surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators, must be kept for health
care workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. Government messaging continues to be:


Your mask can be a commercial non-medical mask or a homemade
mask that covers your nose and mouth. A face shield cannot be worn instead of a
non-medical mask. Face shields protect your eyes, but don’t protect other
people.

Non-medical
masks should:

  • allow for easy breathing
  • fit securely to the head with ties or ear
    loops
  • maintain their shape after washing and
    drying
  • be changed as soon as possible if damp or
    dirty
  • be comfortable and not require frequent
    adjustment
  • be made of at least 2 layers [now
    recommending 3 layers] of tightly woven material fabric, like cotton or
    linen
  • be large enough to completely (and
    comfortably) cover the nose and mouth without gaping

 

Non-medical
masks should not:

  • impair vision or interfere with tasks
  • be made of non-breathable materials
  • be
    made of plastic    , unless there are at least 2 layers of tightly woven
    material fabric (like cotton or linen) surrounding the plastic, without
    gaping
  • be secured with tape or other inappropriate
    materials
  • be made exclusively of materials that
    easily fall apart, such as tissues
  • be shared with others
  • have exhalation valves