A woman wearing a protective face mask and gloves walks past a large emoji face painted on the boarded up windows of a store on Robson Street, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. British Columbia has outlined a gradual reopening of its economy with certain health services, retail outlets, restaurants, salons and museums resuming some operations in mid-May. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

With COVID-19 now affecting the lives of Canadians on so many levels, people across the country are seeking answers to numerous important questions they have about the novel coronavirus. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

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How often should cloth masks be washed?

Canadians are growing more accustomed to wearing cloth face masks while walking around their neighbourhoods or running errands during the COVID-19 pandemic. But if those masks aren't being sanitized regularly, experts warn they could be harmful.

Dr. Lisa Bryski, an emergency room physician in Winnipeg, says we should treat our cloth masks just as we would our hands. That means giving them a thorough washing every time we come in from outside — and not just a quick rinse.

Bryski says to wash cloth masks with soap and hot water for "at least 20 seconds" —though a longer scrub may be needed — making sure to get in all the crevices. She also notes that swirling cloth masks around in boiling water — especially without soap — or putting them in the dishwasher, is ineffective.

Cloth masks can be useful in keeping novel coronavirus droplets from travelling from a person's nose or mouth into the air, where they can potentially infect others.

Because asymptomatic people can still spread COVID-19 without knowing they have it, it's best to think of a mask — and both of its sides — as a potential hazardous material, says Prof. Dasantila Golemi-Kotra, an expert in molecular biology at Toronto's York University.

Golemi-Kotra says the best way to sanitize a cloth mask is to let it soak in warm soapy water for at least an hour. Cloth masks can also be sanitized in the washing machine with hot water and regular detergent. Bleach can be added to ensure an extra clean, but it's not necessary. In fact, the experts say bleach can actually cause more harm than good if it is not properly washed away.

While some on social media have suggested using a microwave to sanitize masks, the experts say that's not advisable. It can also be dangerous, especially with surgical masks and N95s that contain metal strips.

Golemi-Kotra stresses those types of masks, which can't be washed because of their material, are meant for single use. If you have to sanitize a surgical mask, she recommends letting it air out for at least a day in a safe space.

Experts also suggest making or buying two or three cloth masks that can be switched out when one is being sanitized.

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What safety precautions are hair salons taking as they reopen?

For salons that have already opened — and those soon to join them — it won't be business as usual.

Stylists and clients are encouraged to wear masks at all times, work spaces need to be sanitized after each service, and normal staff hours are being reduced to ensure that fewer bodies are in a salon at once.

Lisa Vernaus, who works at Rehab for Hair and owns her own small business called Hair by Lisa Nicole, is one of many Manitoba stylists allowed back to work as part of the province's first phase of re-opening businesses.

Vernaus says she was worried initially about re-opening this week, wondering if she would be able to secure cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment on such short notice. But she says she got what she needs and is "confident now" about getting back to work.

Vernaus is sending a list of safety measures to clients before their appointments. They're being asked not to bring anyone with them to the salon and to leave jackets or backpacks in their cars.

Stylists are also making some of their services optional, like blow drying hair after a cut, to reduce the amount of time spent on each appointment.

Shian Bear, who works at Be You-nique in Winnipeg, says her salon needs to ensure it can get the necessary cleaning products and masks for stylists and clients before it hopes to open its doors May 19.

Bear says work stations are being rearranged so there's probably only two clients and two stylists at either ends of the shop. "And we're disinfecting everything, booking half an hour after each client to properly sanitize shears, chairs, trolleys, sinks, debit machines — basically anything that's touched," she adds.

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Should women delay doctor visits dealing with reproductive and other specialized care issues during the pandemic?

The short answer from sexual health experts across Canada is a resounding no.

Dr. Lori Brotto, a psychotherapist and director of the University of British Columbia Sexual Health Laboratory in Vancouver, says the message must be loud and clear "that critical screening practices absolutely should continue."

Pap smears that screen for cervical cancer and mammograms, which can detect breast cancer, are particularly important for women who either have a family history or have had irregular tests in the past.

Brotto says reasons for wanting to delay appointments during the pandemic can vary. Some women may resist out of fear of visiting a medical facility while others are facing financial burdens that make accessing care and treatment more difficult. No longer having a job or health benefits to cover prescription medication like birth control can be particularly problematic.

Many sexual health clinics across the country have moved some of their services to a virtual platform. Initial consultations and prescription refills can often be done online via video appointment, and if a patient does require in-clinic care, safety precautions are being taken on and off-site, including a COVID-19 screening over the phone.

Some clinics will also urge patients to wear masks, schedule appointments to ensure waiting rooms are essentially kept empty, and ask patients to come in alone.

Dr. Rachel Spitzer, an obstetrician/gynecologist at the University of Toronto and Mount Sinai Hospital, says it's important for people to know that urgent sexual health services are still available to them. And anyone unsure how to proceed with an urgent request should call a clinic or their doctor to ask.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2020.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2020