Oki Siksika, here is some updated information about mask usage for matapiiks (people) #SiksikaCares

Homemade cloth masks have not been proven to protect the person wearing them from COVID-19 and they are NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND GOOD HAND HYGIENE.

However, masks do cover the mouth and nose and may help protect others, especially if you are sick, by preventing respiratory droplets from contaminating people and surfaces around you.
Masks can also reduce spread from those who are infected with the virus but do not know it

The most important steps you can take to prevent the spread of COVID19 are to WASH YOUR HANDS, STAY HOME (especially when sick), and KEEP 2 METRES AWAY from all others when out for essential supplies.

In addition to these measures (and not instead of), wearing a non-medical mask may help if you find yourself in a place where you cannot distance yourself from others.
If you wear a non-medical mask, please note that it can become a source of infection when damp or wet.

Disposable masks should be discarded after each use. Assume that any mask is contaminated after you wear it.
When wearing a homemade cloth mask:
- Wash your hands immediately before putting it on and immediately after taking it off.
- Do not touch your face while using it.

Change it as soon as it gets damp or soiled by putting it directly into the washing machine or a plastic bag that can be emptied into the washing machine and then thrown out.
Do not embroider or add beadwork, as this will poke large holes in the cloth.