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1. How effective are non-medical masks at protecting wearers and preventing the spread of COVID-19?

Coronavirus can be spread in droplets that travel through the air when a person coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice. While not as effective as an N95 medical mask, wearing a barrier over the nose and mouth can greatly reduce those droplets from traveling through the air to other people.

To be the most effective, face coverings should be worn properly and used with other measures including physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and not touching your face.

2. What is the evidence that proves face coverings are effective?

Agencies and authorities including the U.S. Center for Disease Control, Health Canada, the Mayo Clinic and Alberta Health have all recognized emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows face coverings worn over the mouth, nose and chin can reduce the spray of droplets that carry coronavirus.