Although the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit agrees with the benefits of wearing a three-layer mask, it has no plans at this time to make the practice mandatory in the area.
"The Health Unit will not be requiring individuals in the district to wear a three-layer face covering, two-layer face coverings are acceptable," reads a response to an enquiry from BayToday.
Tuesday, the nation's chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, publicized a recommendation from the Public Health Agency of Canada for members of the public to wear non-medical masks comprised of two layers of tightly-woven fabric such as cotton or linen, plus a third layer of a "filter-type fabric," such as polypropylene.
Tam said Tuesday face coverings are an area of "evolving science," and the recommendation is important as Canadians prepare to spend more time indoors. The World Health Organization has been recommending the three-layer filtered face coverings since mid-June.
"Because it’s winter, because we’re all going inside, we’re learning more about droplets and aerosols. It’s just another layer of protection," said Tam.
The Health Unit "acknowledges that adding a third layer of filter-type fabric (such as non-woven polypropylene fabric) to a face covering may provide some added protection. Requiring the public to wear a three-layer face covering however may pose issues with access and affordability for individuals."
Tam highlighted fit — the pinch around the nose and full coverage of nose and mouth, as well as comfort as essential. Sew and no-sew instructions are provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada for members of the public to make non-medical masks and face coverings.
With files from The Canadian Press
