CPhA encourages all Canadians to wear a non-medical mask/facial covering when visiting a pharmacy
June 9, 2020
In accordance with the latest information provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), CPhA encourages all Canadians to wear a non-medical mask/facial covering when entering a pharmacy, regardless of symptoms, especially when it is not possible to maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others. When worn properly and combined with good hand hygiene practices, a person wearing a non-medical mask or face covering can reduce the spread of their own infectious respiratory droplets. This is known as source control. Medical masks should be reserved for health care workers and those who provide care to COVID-19 patients.
According to a recent Leger/Canadian Press/Association for Canadian Studies poll of 1500 Canadians, 48% of respondents report wearing a mask in public, yet only 38% say they wear a mask when they go to a pharmacy. As pharmacies are essential community health centres, this number is concerning. While we urge those who are sick or immunocompromised to stay at home and call their pharmacy to make other arrangements to get their medications, we recognize that many vulnerable Canadians, including seniors and caregivers, still visit pharmacies, making it even more important for people to wear masks to help protect others. Please visit the PHAC website on for the latest guidance on non-medical masks and face coverings.
Public polling results
A Leger/Canadian Press/Association for Canadian Studies poll of 1500 Canadians showed that 48% of Canadians wear a mask to go out in public, but only 38% wear a mask to go to the pharmacy (click to enlarge):