“It’s quite important that we don’t forget,” said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, chief medical health officer for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), during a recent regional media teleconference.

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Gardez le masque quand vous êtes en déplacement, dit le BSEO

Dr. Roumeliotis was commenting on recent announcements from both federal and provincial health officials on the need for anyone going outside on errands or other business to wear some type of face mask over their mouth and nose in obedience to current pandemic protection policy against COVID-19.

“These are solid and clear recommendations about masking,” Dr. Roumeliotis said.

Surgical quality and N95 protective face masks are reserved at this time for health-care workers and emergency responders who must deal in close contact with people during either hospital or accident situations. But some stores are now able to offer bulk packages of disposable face masks, and there are directions on various government websites for making a suitable face mask for social distancing needs.

Any face mask should be snug fitting and cover both the nose and the mouth to prevent the wearer from spreading any bacteria should they cough or sneeze. A homemade mask meant to be reusable should be easy to clean without losing its shape or snugness.

Dr., Roumeliotis also noted that wearing a face mask while out and about does not mean residents should forget about the need for social distancing, including avoiding crowd situations of five people or more, or to fail to practice proper hygienic handwashing.