The Chief Executive Officer of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario fully supports masks being made mandatory for indoor public spaces across the province.
Doris Grinspun says countries that started with their mask wearing early on are performing much better in terms of coronavirus numbers.
She says “The virus is going to be with us for quite some time and we better get used to protecting ourselves and others if we don’t want the economy to suffer the way it has.”
Grinspun believes mask wearing is important until a vaccine for COVID-19 is created or there is effective treatment.
Premier Doug Ford has stated the government has no plans to issue an order, noting it’s up to individual health unit’s.
The Northwestern Health Unit’s latest update on Stage 3 re-opening says masks are “strongly recommended” in enclosed public spaces.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit mask order for indoor public spaces comes into effect on Friday.
Meantime, the RNAO has started a new social media campaign called #Maskathon.
The Association is urging everyone, including children and youth, to wear a non-medical mask or face covering in indoor public spaces (shops, malls, other businesses), busy areas and transit and send photos via social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) with the hashtags: #Maskathon and #TogetherWeCanDoIt
(Files from Vic Krassowski: Thunder Bay)
