While general members of the public may want to keep their own stash of masks, there is less chance of exposure to COVID-19 in the community because of current social isolation and distancing measures.

However, health care workers are exposed repeatedly to sick people, both with and without symptoms. Due to a shortage of supply, health care workers are now being asked to reuse masks, which compromises the integrity of the masks. 

Without adequate masks, frontline health care workers will be at an increased risk of exposure and infection of COVID-19.

tammy yuen