- Wearing a Mask
- Where to Wear a Mask on Campus
- Mask and Face Covering Guidance
- Level 3 Medical Masks and KN95
- Fit and Handling
- How to Wash Your Cloth Mask
- Video: How to Don and Doff Your Mask
- Additional Mask and Face Covering Documents
Wearing a Mask
In line with current public health guidance, masking is strongly recommended as a way to protect yourself from COVID-19 – particularly in indoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Face coverings prevent transmission by blocking the release of exhaled respiratory particles into the environment and studies demonstrate that a well-fitting, tightly woven, multiple layer face covering can reduce the wearers’ exposure to infectious droplets through filtration.
A well-fitting mask must fit securely over the nose, mouth and chin and is in contact with the surrounding face without gaping.
Please note that the university’s mandatory mask mandate may be reinstated at a future time, should public health indicators and guidelines change.
Where to Wear a Mask on Campus
In line with other health care facilities, Health Services and the Sports Medicine Clinic will continue to require masks.
Individual preferences regarding mask use will vary. Everyone is empowered to make their own decisions to help reduce personal risk, and we ask everyone to be understanding and respectful of people’s personal choices. Outside of our health care facilities, individuals cannot require colleagues or students to wear masks in classrooms or offices, except in very specific situations such as labs where masks were required prior to the pandemic.
Mask and Face Covering Guidance
When wearing a face covering, remember the following:
- Masking for source control protects others around you by catching your own droplets.
- Ensure the mask securely covers both the nose, mouth and chin.
- Well-fitting, tightly woven and multi-layer face coverings can reduce the wearer’s exposure to infectious droplets through filtration
- When wearing masks, it is critical to avoid touching the face and to wash hands or use alcohol-based hand rub often.
Level 3 Medical Masks and KN95
Members of the Carleton community can continue to wear a three-layer non-medical mask that completely and comfortably covers the nose, mouth and chin without gaps and does not allow air to escape from edges.
A limited supply of KN95 masks are available from Procurement Services in eShop and we are working on acquiring an additional supply. Due to supply chain issues, a limit of five KN95 masks are currently available to each individual, while supplies last, and can be reused with proper care.
Additionally, Level 3 Rated Medical Masks are also available from Procurement Services in eShop. Level 3 Medical Masks are acceptable alternatives, having achieved filtration efficiency comparable to the KN95.
Fit and Handling
A proper-fitting Level 3 Medical ask is MORE protective than an ill-fitting KN95.
The following are ways to ensure a snug fit.
- Check the edges of your mask for air leaks and adjust so that it is snug and has no gaps.
- Adjust the ties, bands or ear loops.
- Adjust the nosepiece.
- With medical masks, layering with a well-fitting cloth mask over top may help with fit.
Although, strictly speaking, KN95 and Level-3 Medical Masks are one-time use, they can be worn multiple times given the current climate and issue with the supply chain. When storing your mask between uses, avoid deforming them and do not store them in plastic bags as mould can develop if they are unable to dry properly. Any mask must be discarded and replaced if damaged, dirty or wet.
We strongly recommend that individuals continue to seek guidance on masks and face coverings from the Government of Canada website in order to receive the most up-to-date information.
How to Wash Your Cloth Mask
Cloth masks or face coverings should be changed and cleaned if they become damp or soiled. You can wash your cloth mask by:
- putting it directly into the washing machine, using a hot cycle, and then dry thoroughly
- washing it thoroughly by hand if a washing machine is not available, using soap and warm/hot water and allow it to dry completely before wearing it again
For more information, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website.