Read on Twitter
1/
Masks....my least favourite topic of the #COVID19 pandemic.
There is an argument to mandate these in Canada.
I think (at this point in our epidemic) this is not the right approach...at least not for now. We may come to it, but certainly not now. https://tinyurl.com/yablxv4j
Masks....my least favourite topic of the #COVID19 pandemic.
There is an argument to mandate these in Canada.
I think (at this point in our epidemic) this is not the right approach...at least not for now. We may come to it, but certainly not now. https://tinyurl.com/yablxv4j
2/
Nobody is arguing that masks don't work at an individual level. They help reduce the probability of transmitting infection - we've known this long before #COVID19.
Proximity and duration of exposure to an infected person are key factors, especially in indoor settings...
Nobody is arguing that masks don't work at an individual level. They help reduce the probability of transmitting infection - we've known this long before #COVID19.
Proximity and duration of exposure to an infected person are key factors, especially in indoor settings...
3/ ...so put a mask on when going indoors in a public setting, especially one where you can't physically distance yourself from others, & especially in areas of #COVID19 transmission. Pretty straight forward.
But mandates for masking? Right now? In Canada? Not now. Maybe later.
But mandates for masking? Right now? In Canada? Not now. Maybe later.
4/
*Build trust now before any possible mandate*
We have a lull now in Canada. Now is the time to do this.
We may get a second wave in the fall/winter where mandates may be enacted depending on outbreak/location. Don't shoot your shot too soon (below).
*Build trust now before any possible mandate*
We have a lull now in Canada. Now is the time to do this.
We may get a second wave in the fall/winter where mandates may be enacted depending on outbreak/location. Don't shoot your shot too soon (below).
5/
Now is also the time to NORMALIZE mask use, give 'em out like halloween candy on public transport & in businesses, OPTIMIZE communication of when/where/how to wear one.
If/when the time comes to mandate, a regional approach is best - target high impact region/setting.
Now is also the time to NORMALIZE mask use, give 'em out like halloween candy on public transport & in businesses, OPTIMIZE communication of when/where/how to wear one.
If/when the time comes to mandate, a regional approach is best - target high impact region/setting.
6/
And if/when masks are mandated, give them away free of charge. *THIS IS AN EQUITY ISSUE*
You cannot exclude people from interacting with the world around them. Some cannot afford or make a mask.
Check out this successful program: https://bit.ly/3eAim5P
And if/when masks are mandated, give them away free of charge. *THIS IS AN EQUITY ISSUE*
You cannot exclude people from interacting with the world around them. Some cannot afford or make a mask.
Check out this successful program: https://bit.ly/3eAim5P
7/
Public Health requires public trust.
Think about mandating masks in regions with 0-to-few cases. Consider what a "mandate" is. Consider enforcement, and consider what that does to public trust.
For those who continue to cite the "precautionary principal" see below.
Public Health requires public trust.
Think about mandating masks in regions with 0-to-few cases. Consider what a "mandate" is. Consider enforcement, and consider what that does to public trust.
For those who continue to cite the "precautionary principal" see below.
8/ Enforcement: Remember that disaster with Toronto By-Law officers handing out $880 fines for being in a park during the lockdown? Remember how well that turned out for public trust in public health? Yeah. Don't do this. If you think about mandating, how do you enforce?
9/ Enforcement II: If it is not enforced, is it really a mandate? Or is it a strong recommendation (which is what we already have).
Have a listen to this guy ( @cdavidnaylor - with the best thread on this)...he knows a thing or two about a thing or two: https://twitter.com/cdavidnaylor/status/1274404137745240064?s=20
Have a listen to this guy ( @cdavidnaylor - with the best thread on this)...he knows a thing or two about a thing or two: https://twitter.com/cdavidnaylor/status/1274404137745240064?s=20
10/ Enforcement III: Equity. There's that word again.
Just read the title:
"Millions of dollars in COVID-19 fines disproportionately hurting Black, Indigenous, marginalized groups: report"
Now forget fines, and think about access to transit & business. https://tinyurl.com/y85xlyo5
Just read the title:
"Millions of dollars in COVID-19 fines disproportionately hurting Black, Indigenous, marginalized groups: report"
Now forget fines, and think about access to transit & business. https://tinyurl.com/y85xlyo5
11/
Timing & location are key: Are you going to mandate masks in settings with 0-few-cases? Burn your public trust here? What happens if/when there is an outbreak in the fall & you really need that public trust for masks or re-imposing public health restrictions? You need buy in.
Timing & location are key: Are you going to mandate masks in settings with 0-few-cases? Burn your public trust here? What happens if/when there is an outbreak in the fall & you really need that public trust for masks or re-imposing public health restrictions? You need buy in.
12/
Science: Good luck with a reasonable discussion on twitter.
Think about the incremental value of masks in *community* (not individual) settings. Look at assumptions & primary data in the models. Sadly they don't do as much as we would like. @AntibioticDoc knows what's up.
Science: Good luck with a reasonable discussion on twitter.
Think about the incremental value of masks in *community* (not individual) settings. Look at assumptions & primary data in the models. Sadly they don't do as much as we would like. @AntibioticDoc knows what's up.
13/
Politicizing this: yeah...let's avoid that US-type scenario with some reasonable discord.
For some in the Canadian #masks4all camp: thank you for softening your stance and listening to reason.
For those who don't/wont wear one: strongly worth reconsidering.
Politicizing this: yeah...let's avoid that US-type scenario with some reasonable discord.
For some in the Canadian #masks4all camp: thank you for softening your stance and listening to reason.
For those who don't/wont wear one: strongly worth reconsidering.
14/
In Canada, when you consider timing, current burden, geography, enforcement, practical measures, politicization, data, messaging/communication, and forecasting...now is not the time to mandate masks. We *may* get there (key word: "may"), but we are not there yet.
In Canada, when you consider timing, current burden, geography, enforcement, practical measures, politicization, data, messaging/communication, and forecasting...now is not the time to mandate masks. We *may* get there (key word: "may"), but we are not there yet.
ps: I like a lot of what @ASPphysician says here: https://twitter.com/ASPphysician/status/1277240006894026752?s=20
