Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health,
Doctor Ian Arra is giving notice of intent to Order the mandatory
wearing of face coverings in enclosed public places. The Order will
be issued and coming into effect within the next 10 days as per
consultation with stakeholders.
https://owensoundhub.org/news/9758-mandatory-face-coverings-in-grey-bruce.html
Population of Grey Bruce 160,000 plus
Total reported cases 114
Total active cases 2
Number of deaths 0
Number of identified cases in our area since the
start of this pandemic as a percentage of population .07% or roughly
1 in every 1400 persons.
Whilst there is little doubt that the
less restrictive travel criteria and the desire of many folks from
more populous areas where there is a higher incidence of COVID to
visit our area will see an slightly greater risk here this would seem
to be la bit of an overkill.
That there has been no such order here
or in most other places prior to this when there were many more
active cases makes this order even more bizarre. Those folk that are
in high risk situations can, and should, continue to take suitable
precautions and I thank those that are doing so such as store clerks,
food servers and of course our medical workers.
There is also little doubt that a
proper mask worn and handled correctly will reduce the wearers chance
of spreading any potential infection to others, the protection
afforded to the wearer from general airborne contaminants is
debatable. This is particularly true given that very few folks will
indeed wear, handle, store and sanitize or dispose of their mask in
the recommended manner and wash their hands after each use!.
If its so damned important why wait 10
day to implement this order?
Enough said!
Update...
Update...
The region's Medical Officer of Health
Dr. Ian Arra expects the order (Wearing a mask or face covering is
going to be mandatory at any enclosed public space in Grey Bruce)
will likely remain in place for six to eight weeks, but a mask
mandate at indoor settings could be the new reality for a longer
term. He says the order is designed to buy some time for
municipalities to develop by-laws for mask or face covering
use.
When it comes to research concerning
mask or face covering use, Arra says there is “weak to moderate”
evidence that applies to public use that is mostly anecdotal with
some observation studies, but not clinical trials. “This evidence
would say there is effectiveness when it is used in a widespread way
in the community, that is around 5 to 12 per cent
effectiveness,” explains Arra. "It's not high. Using
a mask is not a silver bullet.”
“Physical distancing is very
effective, way more effective," continues Arra. "In
the hierarchy of efficacy, a mask is not at the top. However,
preventing five to 12 per cent of infections if people wear the mask,
that's not a bad outcome." Arra stresses it remains important to
remember the use of a mask or face covering does not replace
effective practices of physical distancing, handwashing and
screening for symptoms among others.
