Some Canadian hospitals are struggling with the number of sick children, including Alberta Children’s Hospital. Alberta Health Services says the hospital is facing longer wait times due to an increase in infections and staffing challenges. In Ontario, children’s surgeries are canceled and some children must be treated in adult hospitals. A new Nanos Research poll of more than 1,000 people conducted for CTV News found that seven in 10 Canadians would support the return of indoor coverage requirements this fall if deemed necessary by health officials. 52 percent support the return of mask mandates, 17 percent somewhat support coverage, 8 percent are somewhat opposed and 22 percent are against mask mandates overall. Dr. Craig Jenne, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Calgary, said masking is an important tool in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses. “I find it somewhat reassuring that the general public understands the importance of this and the impact it has,” he said. Agreement across the country is fairly even, but BC, Ontario and Atlantic Canada see the highest support for mask mandates at more than 70 percent, while the Prairies see the least at 63 percent, according to the poll. Jenne said whether mask orders are needed right now boils down to individual areas and what kind of pressures they’re facing. He said Alberta should take what’s happening in Ontario as a warning. “I think the evidence is out there that we might have to take some steps in that direction,” he told CTV News. “Again, a blanket policy may not be the best strategy, but to allow individual schools, school boards and other districts with improved tools that can limit the spread of the virus, whether it’s flexibility to shift to online teaching or things like masks in the classroom, I think they are important tools.” The survey also showed that more women than men supported the mask and overall, nearly 83 percent of over-55s were in favor, with the least support coming from 18- to 34-year-olds.
