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Local health officials are giving a word of warning as many residents search for a more comfortable mask as the pandemic drags on.
Health Alliance CEO Lori Marshall says some masks come with an exhaust valve to make breathing a little easier, but greater comfort doesn’t necessarily mean greater safety.
“It’s intended to be an exhaust, it makes it easier for the individual who’s wearing it to breathe, but unfortunately it also means that things can transit through that particular little exhaust valve to other people,” Marshall explains.
“The whole intent of universal masking is that I wear a mask to protect you and you wear a mask to protect me, and so if you have that exhaust valve it’s actually not protecting anyone else from what may be coming from you.”
Following a warning from Health Canada, the Health Alliance will not allow respirator masks to be worn in the hospital – anyone who comes in wearing one will be asked to change.
