4 Helpful Tips for Wearing a Face Mask in Hot Weather
Updated: Jun. 15, 2020
It looks like the coronavirus will be around all summer long, so we'll be wearing a face mask all summer long. Here's how to stay safe and comfortable.
Now that summer is here, you might feel like taking a break from the chaos that’s unfolded. But unfortunately, the coronavirus is going strong. That means diligently wearing a face mask is about to get a whole lot harder—and sweatier.
However, safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort. Here are a few tips for how to wear a face mask in the warmer months.
1. Limit your time wearing a mask
Health Canada says “wearing a homemade non-medical mask/facial covering in the community is recommended for periods of time when it is not possible to consistently maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others, particularly in crowded public settings.” That’s almost every restaurant and store. If you have a choice to stay home and avoid people on a hot, humid day, you should.
2. Choose breathable material
Whether you make your own face mask or buy one, choose a face mask that is made out of light-coloured, cotton material rather than a synthetic blend.
3. Have more than one mask
Ideally, you should wash a face mask after wearing one, but that’s not always possible. As you may have discovered, masks can get sweaty and damp, so if you know you’re going to be in public for an extended period of time, bring along an extra mask. After a mask gets wet, it’s less effective for filtering out germs.
4. Stay out of the sun
This might be common sense, but unless you need to be outdoors for extended periods of time you should avoid direct sun—and don’t forget to hydrate!
