After first suggesting that Canadians wear a non-medical mask in public, the country’s top public health officer says there’s been a social, cultural shift, and now recommends covering your face when physical distancing may not be possible.

”For the spring and summer months, strict adherence to the public health basics of physical distancing, handwashing and cough etiquette must continue as the bare minimum,” said Dr. Theresa Tam.

”In addition, where COVID-19 activity is occurring, use of non-medical masks or face coverings is recommended as an added layer of protection when physical distancing is difficult to maintain.”

Dr. Tam says the advice is a ”specific recommendation,” while the previous language was ”more permissive.”

Asked if Ottawa could make face covering in public mandatory, she says it remains a recommendation at the national level, but provinces and communities could make their own decisions based on local conditions.