By Canadian Press

National directive on wearing face masks coming today, Trudeau says

May 20, 2020 | 9:58 AM

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says a national recommendation on when and where Canadians should be wearing face masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is coming later today.

Trudeau says he has started wearing a mask when he is out of his home and can’t be two metres away from others at all times.

He wore one today when he arrived at the House of Commons for an in-person sitting but said we would take it off once he gets to his desk in the chamber and is at least two metres away from any other MPs.

Spain is now requiring people to wear masks when in public, but so far most Canadian public health officials have only recommended it be done in circumstances where physical distancing is not possible.

Canadian health officials once recommended against the wearing of face masks but adjusted that advice in early April when it became clear COVID-19 can be spread by people who aren’t showing symptoms.

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The officials say wearing a non-medical mask mainly helps protect others from you if you are carrying the virus.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2020.

The Canadian Press