Dr. Tam now recommends three-layer masks

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Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam removes her mask as she arrives for a news conference Friday, October 2, 2020 in Ottawa. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

(Christopher Reynolds/ The Canadian Press) — The country’s top doctor unveiled new recommendations Tuesday for non-medical masks, saying they should be made of at least three layers and stressing their importance as the country heads indoors for winter amid a surging COVID-19 case count.

Face masks should comprise two layers of tightly woven fabric such as cotton or linen, plus a third layer of a “filter-type fabric” such as polypropylene, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“We’re not necessarily saying throw out everything that you have,” Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said at a news conference.

“The fit is the most important thing,” she said, emphasizing a nose pinch and full coverage of nose and mouth, but also comfort and breathability. (…)

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