More than 80 physicians and dentists across British Columbia have penned an open letter urging a mandatory mask rule for certain situations.
The letter, addressed to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, Health Minister Adrian Dix, and Premier John Horgan, expresses support for the use of face coverings and makes an argument for why they should be made mandatory in spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
In addition, the doctors’ letter advocates the creation of a public education initiative that informs residents of the benefits of wearing a face covering.
“Our opinion is based on recent studies showing that the use of masks provides source control and may provide recipient protection,” reads the letter.
“Furthermore, there is no evidence of harm from use of masks. If a 60-80% public usage of masks can be achieved, we can significantly reduce the basic reproductive number (R0).”
See also: Canadians are more anxious about COVID-19, but many are not wearing masks (POLL)
The reproductive rate is the number of people that the virus infects after one infected person comes into contact with others.
In light of studies showing the effectiveness of face masks in the battle against COVID-19, and the fact that reopening B.C.’s economy has and will lead to more cases, the experts recommend a mandate requiring face masks in all indoor spaces outside one’s home, on public transportation, and in any crowded space where it is difficult to maintain distance from others.
The letter also cites a recent Angus Reid poll that says 75 per cent of B.C. residents would support a mandatory mask policy in their community’s public spaces.
A Leger survey also that shows 86 per cent of Canadians think wearing a face mask on public transit should be mandatory.
The doctors’ letter recommends including exemptions to a mandatory mask rule for people with medical contraindications or disabilities, and young children.
In implementing a mandatory mask rule, B.C.’s doctors ask that masks be distributed to vulnerable and high risk communities, and that enforcement of the mandate not be done through penalties or fines, but rather through an education program to help people understand how and why face masks reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“British Columbians have sacrificed so much to flatten the curve, and we have been successful. We are now at an important juncture in our efforts to again take control of the spread of COVID-19,” the letter continues.
“Mask wearing in addition to current physical distancing measures and hand hygiene can assist in the safe reopening of public life and can prevent additional outbreaks. An immediate implementation of mandated mask policies will help protect British Columbians. We ask that you not let our sacrifices go to waste.”
The letter concludes with an invitation to public health leaders to engage in an open discussion about a mandatory mask policy with the doctors who signed it.
Thus far, B.C.’s provincial health officer has been adamant in her decision to not make the use of face coverings mandatory, particularly in light of the province’s controversial school restart plan set to take effect next month.
The next time Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister Adrian Dix will be addressing questions from the media will on Thursday, August 6.
