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May 20, 2020 7:29 PM -

Dr. Theresa Tam recommends using non-medical masks when maintaining physical distance might not be possible

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Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam arrives for a daily news conference on Parliament Hill, Monday, May 11, 2020 in Ottawa. Health research experts say the archaic way Canada records deaths means the country could be missing out on important data to help address the COVID-19 crisis. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Canada's chief public health officer says there has been a social, cultural shift around the wearing of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After first suggesting wearing a mask, Dr. Theresa Tam is now recommending covering your face when maintaining physical distance might not be possible.

She says thinking it of as protecting each other from being exposed to the virus is a key concept for Canadians.

Dr. Tam is again stressing that for summer, outside activities are better than inside and keeping a physical distance and hand washing will continue to be key.

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