When not cleaned properly, cloth masks can be a risk: epidemiologist

When not cleaned properly, cloth masks can be a risk: epidemiologist

May 15, 2020 3:51 pm PST.

Cloth masks have emerged as an alternative for Canadians not on the front lines against COVID-19. But as one epidemiologist explains to Xiaoli Li, they need to be properly cleaned since they could become a colony for bacteria.

Latest in Local

The hero on Highway 39

North Vancouver remains most expensive Canadian city for renters

B.C.'s forestry sector faces long road to recovery despite federal funding

Power outages, ferry cancellations as storm pounds B.C.’s south coast

Vancouver Asian Film Festival celebrates 30th Anniversary

Federal budget promises: what does it mean for B.C.?

Douglas College students experience “virtual” reality of their industries

Data stolen from students, parents and staff may be on dark web: Burnaby School District

Experts share concerns over AI use in health care

Great Blue Heron survives plane collision, released back into the wild

Canadians, Americans adjusting to new time zones

Pros and cons of Conservative plans to repeal housing bills

Motorcade escorts body of B.C. soldier killed in CFB Wainwright fire

Mother and daughter found dead near Bella Coola after suspected grizzly attack

NHL Highlights: Ducks 5, Canucks 4

AI-generated athlete accounts raise concerns at UBC

Average life expectancy is up across B.C.: Statistics Canada

B.C. teen's Hitler costume causes controversy; mother defends decision

Workers on strike calling out alleged violence at Surrey golf course

B.C. First Nations file legal challenges against fast-tracking of Pacific Link Pipeline

From Across Canada

PM Carney highlights $1B investment to tackle homelessness in Winnipeg

Honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis heroes on National Indigenous Veterans day

Feds being to sell 2026 budget, opposition parties express their distain

Unemployment rate rises as Canada loses 4,700 jobs in October

Getting your vehicle ready for winter weather

Canada approves Moderna's mRNA flu and flu-COVID combo vaccine

Blue Jays' Anthony Santander under fire for sharing Islamophobic social media posts

Tech stocks bring stock markets crashing down

Here's what's in the 2026 budget and why some experts say it's not enough

Carney government delivers 2026 budget through heckles from the opposition

Carney's government to table 'masters of our destiny' 2026 budget

Hamilton cadet leader attacked while selling poppies

Oil plummets, stocks surge after Democrats dominate midterms

How will the ‘Blue Wave’ in the U.S. impact Canada?

'A shocking repudiation': Carney's former chief of staff sounds off on midterm results

U.S. midterm elections: Dems sweep Republicans, what's next for Trump?

U.S. 'asking less and offering more': Carney says trade talks progressing

Mosquito season extended due to ongoing high seasonal temperatures

Democrats projected to take U.S. House of Representatives: U.S. news outlets

Carney says Russia will not be allowed to compete at world juniors in Alberta

Around the Globe

Pete Hegseth responds to calls for his impeachment following midterms

Judge sentences Kenyan cult leader to 200 years in prison for murder of children

Meghan Markle's father arrested in child abuse materials case

Second set of bomb threats at European airports found to be 'malicious hoax'

The world just experienced its warmest October on record

A massive wave of bomb threats disrupts air travel across Europe this week

Republican party pointing fingers after Democratic blue wave in the U.S. midterms

Severe flooding strikes parts of U.S. southeast

Mexican judge arrested for taking $2M bribe linked to Ryan Wedding: U.S. DOJ

Russell Brand found guilty of rape and sexual assault

Bomb threats force emergency landings for several flights in Europe

Ronaldo officially retires from Portugal's national team

Russia increases bombardments on Ukraine ahead of peace talks in Abu Dhabi next week

World leaders react to U.S. midterm results

What will the Democratic takeover mean for Trump?

How democrats were able to take control of the U.S. House and Senate

What Democratic control of Congress could mean for Canada-U.S. trade talks

King Charles III jokes about getting caught in the rain

U.S. elects historic firsts as Black, Indigenous, Latina & LGBTQ+ candidates win key races

Fact check: Is America's economy better off or worse under Trump?

Most Popular Today

1:48

Daylight Saving Time impact on school children

The debate of permanent daylight saving has centered around whether we should push sunset later to enjoy more daylight in the afternoon. A new study is shedding light on how it could negatively affect school children.

8h ago

0:41

2026 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees presented with official rings

The Hockey Hall of Fame is welcoming six new members, including one of the most legendary goaltenders in Canadian history.

8h ago

2:30

The hero on Highway 39

A remarkable rescue story now emerging from that terrifying shuttle bus crash in Northern B.C. – How one man didn’t hesitate to help – and why he’s now being called a hero. Michael Williams has the details.

November 6, 2026 6:20 pm PST PST

1:51

North Vancouver remains most expensive Canadian city for renters

Once again, North Vancouver is listed as the country’s priciest city to rent in according to the latest report published by Rentals.ca and Urbanation, with it being the only Canadian city where the average rent has surpassed $3,000. Marija Robinson reports.

November 6, 2026 6:25 pm PST PST

2:04

B.C.’s forestry sector faces long road to recovery despite federal funding

Ottawa is promising $6.5 billion for Canada’s struggling forestry sector, but B.C. industry leaders say the money may not arrive soon enough to stop further mill closures and job losses. As Joe Sadowski reports, they’re calling for immediate action to get the industry moving again.

November 6, 2026 6:14 pm PST PST