Canada's top doctor now recommends three mask layers masks for COVID-19 protection
'This is an additional recommendation, just to add another layer of protection,' says Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam

a day ago By: Sarah Grochowski

Photo: Face masks / Getty Images


The nation’s top doctor updated her non-medical mask recommendations Tuesday, saying they should now be made of at least three layers, one acting as a filter.

Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, is stressing the importance of extra protection against COVID-19 as the country heads indoors for winter.

“We’re not necessarily saying throw out everything that you have,” Tam said during a news conference.

"This is an additional recommendation, just to add another layer of protection."

People currently using two-layered masks do not need to throw them in the trash but should purchase a disposable filter to insert between the layers, she said.

The fit is the most important thing, emphasized Tam.

This includes full coverage of the nose and mouth as well as comfort, breathability, and ideally, a nose pinch option.

Face coverings should be made of two layers of tightly-woven fabric like cotton or linen, plus a third layer of a filter-type material such as polypropylene, according to The Public Health Agency of Canada.

This article was originally published by Vancouver Is Awesome.