Wearing a face covering
Wearing a face cover is mandatory in public spaces that are closed or partially closed as of July 18, everywhere in Quebec.
Considering that the CISSS de l’Outaouais facilities are accessible to the public, the wearing of the procedure mask or face cover is now mandatory in all CISSS de l’Outaouais facilities as of July 18, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions – Mandatory wearing of a face cover or mask
- When is it mandatory to wear the face cover?
- If my physical work environment respects the 2-metre limit and I am not in the presence of users, do I have to wear the face cover?
- Are social distancing and hand hygiene measures still necessary?
- The employee shows up without a face covering, will the employer provide a mask?
- Is there any training on the wearing of face coverings?
- How often should I wash my face cover and how should I wash it?
- If a user comes in for care or service and refuses to wear the face shield, what should I do?
- If a visitor, companion or caregiver refuses to wear the face covering?
- Who is responsible for enforcing the Face Cover Directive?
- Do mothers in labour have to wear a procedure mask or face shield?
- Can I take a procedure mask so that I have one as soon as I arrive for my next shift?
- I work as an administrative officer on a care unit, do I have to wear a face cover or a procedure mask?
- Is it tolerated for a user to use a scarf as a face covering?
- What if a person with a mental health problem refuses to wear a face covering?
- Does a user have to wear a mask when circulating in the facility?
- How do I dispose of my craft mask on the units?
When is it mandatory to wear the face cover?
Wearing a mask or face shield covering the nose and mouth is mandatory in closed or partially covered public places for persons 12 years of age and older.
Children under 10 years of age, persons whose particular medical condition prevents them from wearing the mask, and persons who are not able to put on or remove the mask by themselves are not covered by the obligation to wear the face shield. However, the mask or face shield is recommended for children under 12 years of age and not recommended for those under 2 years of age.
Face cover is mandatory when a person enters a public place. Then, from the moment they enter the establishment, individuals are responsible for putting on their face cover until they leave the establishment.
You can consult the following link for more information:
If my physical work environment respects the 2-metre limit and I am not in the presence of users, do I have to wear the face cover?
Wearing a face cover is not mandatory if your physical work environment respects the social distance of 2 meters and you are not in the presence of users. However, wearing a mask or face shield is mandatory when entering an entrance hall, reception area, elevator or when moving around.
Are social distancing and hand hygiene measures still necessary?
The face cover does not replace the measures in place. The wearing of the face shield in public places must be accompanied by other protective measures, such as the application of hygiene measures and physical distance of 2 metres. In addition, the maximum capacity determined in the rooms remains in effect.
The employee shows up without a face covering, will the employer provide a mask?
Our facilities will provide Grade 0 masks for the general public available to staff when they are not providing care and services in the presence of users or on their arrival at the facilitiesif they are not already wearing a face cover. It is important to remember that the grade 0 mask cannot, at any time, replace the procedure mask when staff provide care and services in the presence of users.
Grade 0 masks will be available at the entrances of large facilities such as hospitals, CHSLDs and CLSCs. For other facilities, please refer to your manager.
In an effort to use wisely of our inventories, we invite staff to use them responsibly and to purchase a reusable face cover. In addition, the use of reusable face covers is an eco-responsible choice that we encourage.
Is there any training on the wearing of face coverings?
We invite you to consult the following link:
How often should I wash my face cover and how should I wash it?
You should wash your face cover every day or after 4 hours of intense use, for example when you have talked a lot.
You will find enclosed information on good practices for wearing and maintaining the face cover:
If a user comes in for care or service and refuses to wear the face covering, what should I do?
Anyone coming into a health care setting, such as a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office or family medicine group, must wear a procedure mask or face shield. This obligation applies to both the patient and the person accompanying the patient.
We cannot deny access to care and service. Suggest and indicate to the user that the wearing of a face cover or mask is mandatory while travelling. It is important to evaluate the reason for refusing to wear a face shield.
Users must be advised that this is a public health directive that protects all people in our facilities, which are public places, but even more so in environments that receive sick or more vulnerable people. It is a collective responsibility to protect ourselves and others.
If a visitor, companion or caregiver refuses to wear the face covering?
Anyone coming into a health care setting, such as a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office or family medicine group, must wear a procedure mask or face shield. This obligation applies to both the patient and the person accompanying the patient.
Access to the facility is denied because it contravenes the public health directive that protects all people in our facilities, which are public places, but even more so in environments that receive sick or more vulnerable people. It is a collective responsibility to protect ourselves and others.
Who is responsible for enforcing the Face Cover Directive?
Le port du couvre-visage est une responsabilité collective et on demande à tous les gestionnaires et employés de sensibiliser leurs collègues et les usagers au port du masque dans nos installations.
Do mothers in labour have to wear a procedure mask or face shield?
Moms are not required to wear a face cover or procedure mask. However, the spouse and the accompanying person must wear a face cover.
Staff must wear the required personal protective equipment during delivery.
Can I take a procedure mask so that I have one as soon as I arrive for my next shift?
No, personnel should arrive in plain clothes and take a mask after changing, to avoid the risk of contamination. The cooperation of employees is required to obtain a personal face cover.
I work as an administrative officer on a care unit, do I have to wear a face cover or a procedure mask?
You must wear a face shield, not a procedure mask, as you do not provide direct care and services to clients. Wearing a face cover is not mandatory if your physical work environment respects the social distance of 2 meters and you are not in the presence of users. However, when moving around the facility, you must wear your face cover.
Is it tolerated for a user to use a scarf as a face covering?
A user may use a scarf as a face covering. The fabric used should be tight and supple, for example cotton, which allows air to pass during breathing, and at least 2 layers of fabric should be used. The craft mask should be comfortable and fit snugly over the face so that it completely covers the nose and mouth.
What if a person with a mental health problem refuses to wear a face covering?
We cannot deny access to care and service. It is important to carefully assess the reason for denial. Users must be informed that this is a public health directive that protects all people in our facilities, which are public places, but even more so in environments that receive sick or more vulnerable people.
Persons whose particular medical condition prevents them from wearing the mask as well as those who are not able to put on or take off the mask by themselves are not covered by the obligation to wear the face shield.
Does a user have to wear a mask when circulating in the facility?
Wearing a mask or face cover is mandatory when travelling in a public place.
How do I dispose of my handmade mask on the units?
You will find enclosed the instructions for placing your handcrafted mask on the units.