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Mask Should be made maditory once again

Mask Should be made maditory once again

Jellybean
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1378

Jellybean
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1378

…….
5/17/2022 at 6:52 AM

WAFFLE222 said "Honestly, there just comes a time where we just have to stop living in fear and trust that health officials have significant evidence that has allowed them to make this decision.

Personally, I feel a breath of fresh air knowing I can walk freely into a store, no line ups, no masks, people smiling at each other. I'm so happy to see others faces again, its been a long road for everyone. I don't care what others decide, whether it be mask-less or masked, whatever makes them feel comfortable.

Understandably so, I see how others are still so fearful, but we have to get back to living again. So many things have happened since Covid began, our economy is suffering greatly. There comes a time where we have to stop leaving in the fear of the virus and just accept it as any other virus that's been around for years. "
Except that it isn’t health officials making these decisions. It’s the government. Go talk to an actual doctor, listen to what health officials are actually still saying. The reality is that masks and other mandates were lifted to stop the destruction of things like the trucker convoy, not because health officials recommended it.

If you haven’t noticed, all healthcare facilities still require masks and have certain protocols in place. If it’s not necessary why are they still requiring it?

Mandatory masking should have stayed and proof of vaccine as well for higher risk places like large event venues, restaurants and travel. Other than that, let everything open up to full capacity so we can alleviate the stress this has caused our economy, but while still providing a reasonable amount of protection for everyone.

This isn’t about fear, it’s about common sense, which this pandemic has proved that a lot of people lack.

Edited by Jellybean, 2022-05-17 06:56:51
rogercsr2007
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 261

rogercsr2007
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 261

masking
5/17/2022 at 7:57 AM

Not only is it common sense to wear a mask for reasons I don’t need to say but Another big plus with masking is that you don’t have to smell peoples body odor anymore!
Daisyflower
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 281

Daisyflower
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 281

sick benefits
5/17/2022 at 8:29 AM

There may not be any Covid benefits but there is still regular employment insurance sickness benefits. If you do not have sick time at work I would apply for that if you have to miss work.

My understanding is the Covid variants are not as severe now as a result of changing overtime with a combination of more people being vaccinated. As well our hospital system is no longer overwhelmed thus the opening up of restrictions.

We all get sick from time to time whether it be cold, flu, and now Covid. I think the panic is over and it will just be one of those things that comes around seasonally. You can’t avoid illness entirely but you can do things for yourself like hand washing, no face touching, masks and social distancing.

Sorry you got Covid and hope you recover quickly. Vaccines seem to help.
WAFFLE222
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 22

WAFFLE222
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 22

I agree
5/17/2022 at 9:57 AM

Daisyflower said "There may not be any Covid benefits but there is still regular employment insurance sickness benefits. If you do not have sick time at work I would apply for that if you have to miss work.

My understanding is the Covid variants are not as severe now as a result of changing overtime with a combination of more people being vaccinated. As well our hospital system is no longer overwhelmed thus the opening up of restrictions.

We all get sick from time to time whether it be cold, flu, and now Covid. I think the panic is over and it will just be one of those things that comes around seasonally. You can’t avoid illness entirely but you can do things for yourself like hand washing, no face touching, masks and social distancing.

Sorry you got Covid and hope you recover quickly. Vaccines seem to help. "
I agree with you!
Trevor B

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

Trevor B
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

COVID-19 is here to stay
5/17/2022 at 11:15 AM

Right now COVID-19 will be part of our lives for a long time. We are going to have to deal with it. As of now, we have the knowledge of it, tests, vaccines. The mask mandates were needed when it was new, unknown and no ways to combat it. The mask mandates I don't think will serve the purpose like they did in 2020 and 2021. But to institute another mask mandate when most of the population is vaccinated is not required. While being vaccinated doesn't mean you you have zero chance of getting it, it will mean you have less of an reaction.

If your ill, wear a mask in public, take a rapid test, be vaccinated.

For those asking for another mask mandate, for how long? What would be the goal line for ending the mask mandate? Remember, we are never going to be at zero cases, we are still going to have people getting it and getting sick from it. Some may end up in hospital with severe cases. But with what we have now in terms of protection, expecting the entire population to start wearing masks again isn't required. We have it knocked down to where getting the flu, cold, or other illnesses will be more common.

Edited by Trevor B, 2022-05-17 11:17:15
Belter
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 106

Belter
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 106

Check my post on education vs propaganda
5/17/2022 at 1:28 PM

Please read my post and reseach everything I stated. It will take some digging but its out there.
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

.
5/17/2022 at 1:58 PM

Trevor B said "Right now COVID-19 will be part of our lives for a long time. We are going to have to deal with it. As of now, we have the knowledge of it, tests, vaccines. The mask mandates were needed when it was new, unknown and no ways to combat it. The mask mandates I don't think will serve the purpose like they did in 2020 and 2021. But to institute another mask mandate when most of the population is vaccinated is not required. While being vaccinated doesn't mean you you have zero chance of getting it, it will mean you have less of an reaction.

If your ill, wear a mask in public, take a rapid test, be vaccinated.

For those asking for another mask mandate, for how long? What would be the goal line for ending the mask mandate? Remember, we are never going to be at zero cases, we are still going to have people getting it and getting sick from it. Some may end up in hospital with severe cases. But with what we have now in terms of protection, expecting the entire population to start wearing masks again isn't required. We have it knocked down to where getting the flu, cold, or other illnesses will be more common.

Edited by Trevor B, 2022-05-17 11:17:15"
Vaccination in Canada against Covid 19 is not high enough. To achieve effective true herd immunity vaccination levels of 98% of the population or higher are required.
In simple terms : To achieve herd immunity it is necessary to vaccinate the entire herd.
Failing that other measures and restrictions must be used to prevent spread of virus.
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5039

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5039

Herd
5/17/2022 at 3:05 PM

Farmergeorge said "Vaccination in Canada against Covid 19 is not high enough. To achieve effective true herd immunity vaccination levels of 98% of the population or higher are required.
In simple terms : To achieve herd immunity it is necessary to vaccinate the entire herd.
Failing that other measures and restrictions must be used to prevent spread of virus. "
We're never going to achieve herd immunity. It's just not possible unless they come up with a sterilizing vaccine, which is unlikely due yo the nature of coronoviruses. I wish people would quit talking about it like it's even a possibility.

It's most likely the long-term scenario will be more akin to it just being there. Get regular vaccines to prevent the worst effects for most people, and our new health baseline will be adjusted for the damage C19 can do to our bodies. We may not live as long or healthily as we did only a few years ago.

I don't know what "learning to live with it" is going to look like, but it's here to stay for the foreseeable future. Certainly for our lifetimes, anyway.
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

.
5/17/2022 at 3:08 PM

Abbysmum said "We're never going to achieve herd immunity. It's just not possible unless they come up with a sterilizing vaccine, which is unlikely due yo the nature of coronoviruses. I wish people would quit talking about it like it's even a possibility.

It's most likely the long-term scenario will be more akin to it just being there. Get regular vaccines to prevent the worst effects for most people, and our new health baseline will be adjusted for the damage C19 can do to our bodies. We may not live as long or healthily as we did only a few years ago.

I don't know what "learning to live with it" is going to look like, but it's here to stay for the foreseeable future. Certainly for our lifetimes, anyway. "
Anything is possible with adherence to peer reviewed science and commitment to a policy.
WAFFLE222
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 22

WAFFLE222
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 22

...
5/17/2022 at 4:52 PM

JessieJay said "A mask mandate would in no way affect the economy. There would be no harm done at all if the government had left the mask mandate in place for a few more months.

I'm not sure I even call it living in fear if someone wants a mask mandate. It is a precaution, yes, but the mask wearers I know are not fearful. "
No where did I say a mask mandate affects the economy.

Rather, "Since Covid began" see below.

" So many things have happened since Covid began, our economy is suffering greatly. "

The thing is, regardless no one will ever see eye to eye on different opinions on the matter. I happily wore as mask when it was mandated, however I was stating that I am just happy to see people smiling again. When it was dropped, I still wore a mask. Now its about 90/10 with maskless/masked when I go out, and I have dropped the mask and am enjoying living my life again.
JRL
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 111

JRL
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 111

Monkeypox
5/18/2022 at 11:55 AM

We have been lucky (so far) that Covid 19 has been held in check in our developed nation by a combination of public health measures and government policy and citizen participation in the fight. A new variant is always possible and the longer the majority of the world remains unvaccinated (see https://data.undp.org/vaccine-equity/) we will continue to see variations of the virus.

Fortunately COVID-19 wasn't a new strain of a more deadly disease like Nipah (between 4 to 10 out of 10 people infected with Nipah will die) or something like monkeypox that is currently spreading in some European countries though is far more common in parts of Africa.

I don't think we will argue about masks or vaccines when our children look like this...

(photo from WHO page on Monkeypox)
don brown
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4956

don brown
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4956

Monkeypox
5/18/2022 at 1:21 PM

An existing smallpox vaccine has an 85% effacy rate against monkeypox.
JessieJay
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 796

JessieJay
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 796

Monkeypox
5/18/2022 at 8:47 PM

JRL said "We have been lucky (so far) that Covid 19 has been held in check in our developed nation by a combination of public health measures and government policy and citizen participation in the fight. A new variant is always possible and the longer the majority of the world remains unvaccinated (see https://data.undp.org/vaccine-equity/) we will continue to see variations of the virus.

Fortunately COVID-19 wasn't a new strain of a more deadly disease like Nipah (between 4 to 10 out of 10 people infected with Nipah will die) or something like monkeypox that is currently spreading in some European countries though is far more common in parts of Africa.

I don't think we will argue about masks or vaccines when our children look like this...

(photo from WHO page on Monkeypox) "
Is now in the US and there are several suspected cases in Montreal.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Misinfo
5/18/2022 at 9:09 PM

Thanks to all who participate in these discussions with facts in mind.
Just reminder, same old policy applies when it comes to misinfo/antivax bunk. Post will be removed. Facts are important here if one's wanting to participate in discussions. If you notice a post outside of these bounds please don't hesitate to report with the "contact" link. thx in advance.
Voyageur
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 7

Voyageur
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 7

COVID isn't Over
5/19/2022 at 9:26 AM

Trevor B said "Right now COVID-19 will be part of our lives for a long time. We are going to have to deal with it. As of now, we have the knowledge of it, tests, vaccines. The mask mandates were needed when it was new, unknown and no ways to combat it. The mask mandates I don't think will serve the purpose like they did in 2020 and 2021. But to institute another mask mandate when most of the population is vaccinated is not required. While being vaccinated doesn't mean you you have zero chance of getting it, it will mean you have less of an reaction.

If your ill, wear a mask in public, take a rapid test, be vaccinated.

For those asking for another mask mandate, for how long? What would be the goal line for ending the mask mandate? Remember, we are never going to be at zero cases, we are still going to have people getting it and getting sick from it. Some may end up in hospital with severe cases. But with what we have now in terms of protection, expecting the entire population to start wearing masks again isn't required. We have it knocked down to where getting the flu, cold, or other illnesses will be more common.

Edited by Trevor B, 2022-05-17 11:17:15"
It's sad that being asked to do the bare minimum to protect ourselves, friends, families and those who are either too young to be vaccinated (5 and under), is such a burden on folk. It's a mask. You're not being cons:cripted, you're not being abused. I repeat, it's a mask.

I had a family member who survived polio with a fused spine and the use of less than one lung would be astonished if she were alive today at the sheer selfishness and incompetence on full display when such easy preventative measures are available. No one has ever claimed COVID has to be zero, but the fact of the matter is: science backs up the use and efficacy of masks and vaccines and we aren't clear to stop using them. Yes vaccines help greatly in terms of symptoms and outcome, but they don't eliminate death as a possibility for everyone.

Worldwide stats are also showing we are in no way done with COVID yet. It is readily available information at everyone's fingertips, especially with last week's 28 days and 11 outbreaks reported in Manitoba. COVID being a "cold" is patently false misinformation. We're not at that stage yet.

It's important to research valid information sources and stay up to date - misinformation is dangerous.
oldcowgirl
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 657

oldcowgirl
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 657

medical facilities
5/19/2022 at 10:56 AM

I like the idea of the mask for a walk in clinic or hospital.
When you go into a walk in clinic there are always people looking for help for flu like symptoms that require quicker care than going through a doctor appointment. Prior to Covid if you were going in for something simple like a sty in your eye or rash there always used to be a good chance you would be sick afterwards with a flu bug.
Voyageur
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 7

Voyageur
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 7

Correction
5/19/2022 at 11:57 AM

Voyageur said "It's sad that being asked to do the bare minimum to protect ourselves, friends, families and those who are either too young to be vaccinated (5 and under), is such a burden on folk. It's a mask. You're not being cons:cripted, you're not being abused. I repeat, it's a mask.

I had a family member who survived polio with a fused spine and the use of less than one lung would be astonished if she were alive today at the sheer selfishness and incompetence on full display when such easy preventative measures are available. No one has ever claimed COVID has to be zero, but the fact of the matter is: science backs up the use and efficacy of masks and vaccines and we aren't clear to stop using them. Yes vaccines help greatly in terms of symptoms and outcome, but they don't eliminate death as a possibility for everyone.

Worldwide stats are also showing we are in no way done with COVID yet. It is readily available information at everyone's fingertips, especially with last week's 28 days and 11 outbreaks reported in Manitoba. COVID being a "cold" is patently false misinformation. We're not at that stage yet.

It's important to research valid information sources and stay up to date - misinformation is dangerous. "
Apologies, that should've said last week's 902 cases, not 28 days.
Voyageur
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 7

Voyageur
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 7

Shameful
5/19/2022 at 12:00 PM

Hoya said "Just like it’s always been it should be everyone’s prerogative to wear a mask or not, and to take responsibility for our own health. Yeah, it’s not responsible to go around infecting people, but in the end it’s up to us whether or not we want to risk coming in contact with someone who’s sick. "
This is the kind of shameful, selfish attitude we're seeing more and more of these days. Used to be we would try to protect our weak and elderly, not avoid the bare minimum to protect them and cry foul when the government has to step in and do it for us.

Edited by Voyageur, 2022-05-19 12:03:26
O-man
Joined: This month
Posts: 7

O-man
Joined: This month
Posts: 7

diasagree
5/19/2022 at 12:37 PM

Jellybean said "Except that it isn’t health officials making these decisions. It’s the government. Go talk to an actual doctor, listen to what health officials are actually still saying. The reality is that masks and other mandates were lifted to stop the destruction of things like the trucker convoy, not because health officials recommended it.

If you haven’t noticed, all healthcare facilities still require masks and have certain protocols in place. If it’s not necessary why are they still requiring it?

Mandatory masking should have stayed and proof of vaccine as well for higher risk places like large event venues, restaurants and travel. Other than that, let everything open up to full capacity so we can alleviate the stress this has caused our economy, but while still providing a reasonable amount of protection for everyone.

This isn’t about fear, it’s about common sense, which this pandemic has proved that a lot of people lack.

Edited by Jellybean, 2022-05-17 06:56:51"
With the vaccines there is no reason you should be forced to wear a mask now, I agree they should be worn in clinics and hospitals but they always should have been even before covid mainly out of respect for all the patients in there. But to say everyone still should to protect other people is not their responsibility, any one scared of covid should either choose to not go out or take it upon themselves to protect themselves. Regardless of the disease or condition its like saying no one can eat peanuts because some people are allergic... its up to the one who is allergic to take measures to protect them self not everyone else. I speak as someone who did have covid along with my wife and our 5 month old, and we did follow all the rules and suggestions (stayed home, shopped online, wore mask and had all 3 vaccines) and still got covid somehow so its out there either way.
Voyageur
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 7

Voyageur
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 7

COVID isn't over
5/19/2022 at 1:03 PM

O-man said "With the vaccines there is no reason you should be forced to wear a mask now, I agree they should be worn in clinics and hospitals but they always should have been even before covid mainly out of respect for all the patients in there. But to say everyone still should to protect other people is not their responsibility, any one scared of covid should either choose to not go out or take it upon themselves to protect themselves. Regardless of the disease or condition its like saying no one can eat peanuts because some people are allergic... its up to the one who is allergic to take measures to protect them self not everyone else. I speak as someone who did have covid along with my wife and our 5 month old, and we did follow all the rules and suggestions (stayed home, shopped online, wore mask and had all 3 vaccines) and still got covid somehow so its out there either way. "
Again, a mask is a very small step to take to protect those who need it most, including yourself. using verbiage like being 'forced' over something to small and easy to do not only shows a lack of character. Vaccines and masks work together -that is the info that has been out this entire time and it's backed by science. Just because you have the vaccine does not mean masks magically lose their efficacy.

It's astounding you feel comfortable going on a public forum and eschewing any and all responsibility for your community. The 'me first' attitude is disappointing and leads to more illness.

There are many, many reasons why you still could have contracted COVID (the people you were around, a slip in following guidelines, etc.) No one has ever stated the vaccine meant you were suddenly 100% invincible.
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

.
5/19/2022 at 2:03 PM

O-man said "With the vaccines there is no reason you should be forced to wear a mask now, I agree they should be worn in clinics and hospitals but they always should have been even before covid mainly out of respect for all the patients in there. But to say everyone still should to protect other people is not their responsibility, any one scared of covid should either choose to not go out or take it upon themselves to protect themselves. Regardless of the disease or condition its like saying no one can eat peanuts because some people are allergic... its up to the one who is allergic to take measures to protect them self not everyone else. I speak as someone who did have covid along with my wife and our 5 month old, and we did follow all the rules and suggestions (stayed home, shopped online, wore mask and had all 3 vaccines) and still got covid somehow so its out there either way. "
This is ridiculous.
It is everyone’s responsibility to protect other people and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect the most frail and vulnerable in our Society.
It is also in everyone’s best interest to do their utmost to protect others, protect our health care system and to prevent the spread of infection.
We all have responsibility to each other.
Jellybean
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1378

Jellybean
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1378

…..
5/19/2022 at 9:31 PM

O-man said "With the vaccines there is no reason you should be forced to wear a mask now, I agree they should be worn in clinics and hospitals but they always should have been even before covid mainly out of respect for all the patients in there. But to say everyone still should to protect other people is not their responsibility, any one scared of covid should either choose to not go out or take it upon themselves to protect themselves. Regardless of the disease or condition its like saying no one can eat peanuts because some people are allergic... its up to the one who is allergic to take measures to protect them self not everyone else. I speak as someone who did have covid along with my wife and our 5 month old, and we did follow all the rules and suggestions (stayed home, shopped online, wore mask and had all 3 vaccines) and still got covid somehow so its out there either way. "
What is the difference between a clinic and a grocery store or a church or a restaurant, etc? They are all indoor public spaces where we need to respect others around us.
As for comparing it to allergies, last time I checked places like schools are peanut free, and it is not just up to the person with the allergy to protect themselves. If they order food at a restaurant, it’s also up to the restaurant to take responsibility. If you have a guest in your home with a peanut allergy I’m sure you wouldn’t serve something with peanuts.
Right now our best defences are vaccines, hygiene and masks. These are small things to ask to allow people to get out and live their lives. I would much rather get out and do the things I love with a piece of cloth on my face rather than have things shut down again. We can’t irradiate covid, but we can slow the transmission.
Think about the changes to travel after 9/11. We had to change the way we do things. Just because we not be a terrorist ourselves, it is up to us to follow rules to make others around us comfortable and feel safe and make sure there isn’t a massive disruption to peoples lives. COVID is the same thing. We need to be willing to make changes to our behaviour for the greater good.
Gussins
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 380

Gussins
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 380

Wow!
5/20/2022 at 1:16 AM

O-man said "With the vaccines there is no reason you should be forced to wear a mask now, I agree they should be worn in clinics and hospitals but they always should have been even before covid mainly out of respect for all the patients in there. But to say everyone still should to protect other people is not their responsibility, any one scared of covid should either choose to not go out or take it upon themselves to protect themselves. Regardless of the disease or condition its like saying no one can eat peanuts because some people are allergic... its up to the one who is allergic to take measures to protect them self not everyone else. I speak as someone who did have covid along with my wife and our 5 month old, and we did follow all the rules and suggestions (stayed home, shopped online, wore mask and had all 3 vaccines) and still got covid somehow so its out there either way. "
Sheer ignorance.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Dr Roussin
5/20/2022 at 8:59 AM

Dr Roussin giving a media briefing later this AM. In a perfect world at least a reminder that despite any progress there might be this isn’t at a level where we can be complacent when you see headlines this week like:

“Ad campaign fails to improve Manitoba's COVID-19 booster shot standing vs. rest of Canada” (we’re more than 4% below the national avg and ahead of only AB and SK)
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-vaccine-booster-lag-1.6457235

And:
“Manitoba's COVID-19 death toll jumps 66 in most recent weekly update”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-weekly-covid-19-update-may-8-14-1.6459225
I see Ontario continues to show positive signs. They aren't us and there will be differences in their health care system and ours but they've generally been better with data with us and so I like to also watch the state of things there. The infectious diseases physician quoted below includes comments on masking for further context even within that that masking continues to be seen as beneficial even when not required:

COVID metrics headed in the right direction in Ontario:

?? wastewater signal
?? % positive tests
?? people in hospital pic.twitter.com/Zx0yYIXl0q
— Isaac Bogoch (@BogochIsaac) May 19, 2022
2/ Even in the absence of mask mandates/capacity limits we did not see the same rate of ICU/hospital admissions VS prior waves b/c of
1) vax
2) prior infection
3) Omicron

Masks are not perfect & would not have stopped/prevented this wave but could have further reduced infection.
— Isaac Bogoch (@BogochIsaac) May 19, 2022
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Roussin
5/20/2022 at 2:19 PM

Just further to above... see CBC story at the link below. Dr Roussin in first address in about a month and a half saying that we appear to have hit a hospitalization peak... though reductions from that peak are happening quite slowly (i.e. we aren't out of the woods). They are trying to better understand the increase in deaths.

Same link has updated charts that the province has put out, and includes the statement that "unvaccinated people are at nearly 9 times greater risk of hospitalization, more than 9 times greater risk for ICU admission and at 37 times greater risk of death from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated individuals." From that, it is continuation of the same unfortunate story that the affects of this would be less and we would be further toward the other side of this with a higher vaccination rate.

Full story:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/covid19-manitoba-hospitalizations-intensive-care-update-1.6460978