Effective Thursday, November 19, 2020, all people in Saskatchewan and the City of Lloydminster are required to wear non-medical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The public health order will be in place until December 17, 2020.
Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home.
While the primary cause of COVID-19 transmission is people who are symptomatic, there is increasing evidence that some COVID-19 infected people never develop symptoms or are not yet sick and are able to transmit the virus.
Wearing non-medical masks (e.g. cloth or other materials) – even if you have no symptoms – is an additional measure you must take to protect yourself and others around you.
Wearing a non-medical mask will not prevent you from getting sick. However, it is another way of covering your mouth and nose to prevent your respiratory droplets from contaminating others or landing on surfaces.
People should also be aware that masks can become contaminated on the outside or when touched by hands.
- Avoid moving the mask around or adjusting it often.
- Masks should not be shared with others.
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID‑19 is to continue to:
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Practise two-metre physical distancing.
- Wear a mask.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Cover your cough or sneezes with tissues or your sleeve.
Individuals choosing to wear a non-medical mask need to understand their limitations and how to safely use them. Information is available on the Public Health Agency of Canada website: Considerations in the use of homemade masks to protect against COVID-19. Information on how to make a non-medical mask and how to properly put on or remove a non-medical mask can be found at About non-medical masks and face coverings.