New Brunswick has now gone eight consecutive days without confirming a new case of COVID-19.
The provincial government is still recommending residents wear masks in high-traffic areas.
The province’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Jennifer Russell, issued a video over the weekend, giving tips to the public on how to handle their cloth mask.
“Masks can become contaminated on the outside or when touched by hands. Avoid moving the mask around or adjusting it often,” said Russell.
With four more recoveries announced Sunday, the province now has only seven remaining active cases of COVID-19.
Dr. Russell says there is a proper way to remove your mask.
“Do not touch the front of your mask to remove it. Remove the elastic loops of the mask from around your ears or untie the strings from behind your head. Hold only the loops or the strings and place your cloth mask in the wash, or if you are in your car, place it in a bag until you get home here you can wash it.”
She says it is is important to recognize, this mask is not for your own protection, but for the protection of other people.
“It makes sure your droplets are not getting on other people. Wearing a mask does not replace proper hand hygiene and does not replace physical distancing. However, masks wearing can help prevent community spread of COVID-19.”
A reminder though to be using the right kind of mask when it comes to community use.
“Cloth face coverings, also known as community face masks, are not surgical masks or N95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers or other medical first responders. As we navigate our new normal, help us continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing cloth face masks in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.”
