Some doctors, scientists and hospital officials in Ontario and Manitoba have called on public health officials to reinstate mask mandates as hospitals have been overwhelmed by cases of the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
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Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s head of public health, said wearing masks is a layer of protection against the spread of respiratory viruses. “If it’s added to the other layers of protection, including vaccination, then it can make a difference in terms of cushioning the increase so hospitals can cope a little bit better,” Tam told a news conference on Thursday. WATCHES | Why a doctor wants mask orders now:
Time to bring back the mask mandate, says Toronto doctor
Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist at St. Michael’s Hospital, says the triple threat posed by COVID-19, RSV and influenza should be addressed through public health measures such as mask mandates.
RSV, flu above seasonal levels
Both RSV and influenza, or influenza, have increased above seasonal levels, according to Public Health Canada’s latest FluWatch report. Staff shortages and other factors are also putting pressure on hospitals, doctors say. Some pediatric hospitals in particular have been hit hard, as demand outstrips supply for drugs to relieve pain and fever in young children. It is up to provincial authorities to decide on mask mandates in their own context, Tam said. However, she and her counterparts across the country recommend against wearing a mask in crowded spaces, especially if they are poorly ventilated. Other countries have in the past encouraged mask use by providing them for free, just as some communities in Canada have done with rapid COVID-19 test kits. When asked if Canada would provide free masks, Tam said it’s an important issue, but it depends on what reasons people have for not wearing masks right now. “Some of it might be the fatigue factor,” he said. “But there may be differential access to masks and that could be something that could be looked at and see if it would make a difference.” Tam noted that she has not heard of supply issues with masks and respirators in Canada. Last month, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her government would look to ban mandatory COVID-19 masks in schools.
Make masks readily available
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease physician at Toronto General Hospital, said masks are a useful tool and called on public health to do some “heavy lifting” to facilitate their use. “Strong, meaningful communication,” Bogoch said. “… Not just a press conference.” If masks were placed in places like schools, houses of worship and community centers – just as they are at hospital entrances – then people could make “smart decisions” when going indoors, he said. “I think we can get a lot of people covered in the absence of orders.”
