The COVID-19 advice around masks has changed. Here’s a simplified version of Canada’s new recommendation

The message from the federal government surrounding masks has changed.

At a press conference Monday morning, Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, said that wearing a "non-medical mask, even if you have no symptoms, is an additional measure that you can take to protect others around you."

This is especially important in situations where you may not be able to practice physical distancing, such as at a grocery store or on public transit. "A non-medical mask can reduce the chance of your respiratory droplets coming into contact with others or land on surfaces," Tam noted.

Although wearing a non-medical mask "has not been proven to protect the person wearing it," Tam added, "it is an additional way that you can protect others."

If I'm not a health professional, what should I do?

If you're going out in public, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends you wear a non-medical mask. This is intended to help the people around you - not necessarily yourself. However, just because you're wearing a mask does not mean you can ignore previous warnings - "you must continue to practice physical distancing and good hygiene, frequent handwashing, and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces," Tam said.

Should I wear an N95 mask if I'm not a health professional?

No. An N95 mask is critically important for frontline workers in the medical field, and they need to be readily available to them. "I want to emphasize that it's extremely important that we keep the supply of medical masks where it is needed. Health-care workers need medical masks," Tam said.

What kind should I wear for everyday use?

As long as the mask is not medical-grade, it should be fine. For the most part, this means wearing homemade masks, such as bandanas or scarves, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What's the difference between these masks?

An N95 mask is a face covering intended specifically for health-care workers who come into close contact with COVID-19 patients, as it protects the wearer from germs in the air. Another type of mask does not do this.