Masks still a ‘fundamental layer of protection,’ Canada’s top doctor says
Global News
Although some provinces and territories have started to lift COVID-19 restrictions, the country's top doctor says masks are still a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Canada’s top doctor says masks are a “fundamental layer of protection” against COVID-19 even as some provinces ditch mandates to wear them.
“Whether your jurisdiction requires it or not or whether your setting requires it or not, it’s something you can do to protect yourself and others,” Dr. Theresa Tam, the country’s chief public health officer, said during a press conference Friday.
Provinces nationwide, including Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have begun lifting pandemic restrictions, with the latter removing mask mandates as of March 15.
Alberta is expected to announce whether it will drop mask mandates this Saturday while its neighbouring province, Saskatchewan, renewed its state of emergency on Thursday — the same day it lifted its COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates.
In Ontario, a date for lifting masking requirements is yet to come. When they are removed from most public places, schools will likely be included, Dr. Kieran Moore, the province’s chief medical officer of health, said Thursday.
Starting March 7 in Quebec, the government will also lift its mask mandate for elementary and high school students.
New Brunswick will be lifting all COVID-19 restrictions as of March 14 and its proof of vaccination system will also be lifted at the end of this month. Newfoundland and Labrador will follow suit, ending their pandemic restrictions the same day as New Brunswick.
“Masks provide a good layer of protection. Wear a mask to reduce your risk,” Tam said.