N.B. claims it has 'always recommended' indoor public masking, mum on return to COVID-19 mandates

The New Brunswick government won't say whether a return to mandatory masking is being considered to combat rising respiratory illnesses across the province, but claims it has "always recommended" indoor public masking.

A search of public comments officials have made since March 14, when all COVID-19 restrictions, including masking, were lifted, however, shows that's not the case.

They have said people should "feel comfortable" masking, that they "support" their use, have "suggested" masking and even "encourage" it, but the focus has been on COVID-19 vaccination.

On Wednesday, a Saint John pediatrician and neonatologist called on the province to bring back mask mandates, particularly in places where children congregate, such as schools and child-care centres.

Dr. Alana Newman says pediatric wards in New Brunswick, like elsewhere in the country, are at or near capacity with young children who are very sick with viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and the flu.

After a lull during pandemic precautions, RSV cases began to increase several months ago and rose sharply in the last few weeks, she said.

Newman contends infections need to be tamped down before they get out of control, and there is "ongoing good literature" about the benefits of universal masking.

"And so I would hope that [Public Health] officials would take a good look at the literature and consider policy changes that may not be popular but really may protect our children's health."

Public Health is "not telling people they have to wear a mask. But we've recommended it throughout the pandemic, and we still do," Department of Health spokesperson Adam Bowie responded in an email.

"If circumstances change, Public Health will communicate its new guidance to the public."

Earlier this week, CBC asked specifically whether the province was considering, or would consider, a return to mandatory masking. Bowie did not answer directly.

"If the situation changes, and Public Health officials determine a new approach is necessary, they will make new recommendations to the provincial government," he said.

Asked about the department's current message on indoor public masking, given the rise in respiratory illnesses and strain on the health-care system, he said: "Public Health's guidance has changed from, 'People must wear a mask, or else they could face penalties, such as a fine,' to it becoming a personal choice based on their personal level of risk.

"The department has recommended, and continues to recommend, that New Brunswickers assess their own risk levels when determining the precautions they should use in their day-to-day lives regarding COVID-19 and other seasonal viruses," Bowie said in an emailed statement.