The local take on mask wearing protocol

Dr. Jim Chirico, the North Bay Parry Sound District's chief medical officer is not going off the provincial script when he describes mask wearing protocol in his region. 

"Individuals are encouraged to wear a face-covering when physical distancing is a challenge," said Chirico in an email to BayToday. 

While the number of COVID-19 cases seems to indicate the area is doing a good job coping with the disease, he says there is no official proof of that at this time.  Currently, the North Bay Parry Sound District has had 30 cases with 29 being resolved and one death.  

"We have not conducted a study on the use of face coverings, therefore, we do not have an evidence-informed answer on how effective face coverings are within our district," said Dr. Chirico.

"However, we do encourage people to use a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge."

 Chirico believes it is important that people know how to wear a face-covering correctly. 

"Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 15 seconds," he said.

"Make sure it fits snugly (no gaps between face covering and face) to cover the nose and mouth, i.e., from below the eyes to around the chin. You should secure it with ties or ear loops so that it is comfortable, and doesn’t hinder breathing and vision."

He says avoid touching the front of the face-covering while wearing it – if you do, clean your hands immediately.

"Wear it as long as it is comfortable and remove when it becomes soiled, damp, damaged or difficult to breathe through."

Another key point is not sharing your mask with others. He believes it is also important that people know how to take off a face-covering correctly.

"Remove carefully by grasping the straps only and place directly in the laundry," he said. 

"If you have to use it again before washing, ensure that the front of the face-covering folds in on itself to avoid touching the front. Store it in its own bag, e.g., paper bag.  Immediately clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 15 seconds."

Chirico notes that machine washing the face-covering with hot water and with regular detergent should kill any viruses on the mask.