Face mask shortages have been reported in a number of areas, thanks to fears surrounding possible spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The illness is not airborne and is instead spread through droplets.

Health care officials say the best line of protection is through frequent hand washing, raising questions as to whether face masks are needed at all.

A face mask is a good way to protect the spread of illness from someone who is already sick.

Some suggest wearing a face mask is good protection to prevent you from touching your face, but Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health with the province, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says that’s not necessarily true.

Some studies show that if you’re wearing a face mask you actually touch your face more often because you’re adjusting it, or scratching.

Meanwhile, Tim Hortons has put the breaks on their popular roll up the rim campaign due to the coronavirus.

Signs posted at a location in St. John’s say that due to the outbreak, they will not be accepting reusable cups until further notice.