Submitted by Dale Peacock
Dear Premier Ford,
I’m writing to ask you to make non-medical grade masks mandatory for the general public. We had confused messaging about masking at the beginning, but now that we know better, we can do better.
As well, I suggest that a significant social media blitz to accompany the directive to ensure proper utilization of the masks given that using them improperly defeats the purpose.
I believe that mandatory mask-wearing will do a couple of things:
1. It would increase the safety of front-line workers and offer concrete proof that we value their sacrifice.
2. It might reduce the friction between local residents and cottagers to see that at least in public we are all making an effort.
3. It could reduce infections in long-term care as all of those seem to be via workers bringing COVID-19 in from outside.
While I recognize that enforcement is always an issue, a simple fix for that might be to require all retail outlets to refuse service to those not wearing a mask.
Thank you for your efforts on our behalf,
Dale Peacock
Huntsville, Ontario
Image by Denny Hell from Pixabay
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Hans Marschdorf says
I do not know, how to support your suggestion in an efficient way, but I would like to emphasize the importance of your request. Little to add, nothing to subtract. Maybe we should all write to Premier Ford directly emphasizing that masks build trust and trust will be necessary to reopen successfully and getting us consumers to shop in stores again. Premier Ford came out of the box a bit late, but has acted decisively since then. Why not perfect the approach with an order to wear masks.
Kathryn Foley says
I would back this up and wear a mask if it does nothing else but bring confidence to the general public.
Esther Jennings says
As a frontline worker who is required to wear a mask for my entire 12 hour shift, I understand the importance of protecting others that I need to be in close contact with in order to provide care. I do, however, struggle with imposing mandatory mask wearing on the general public when we are already being monitored for social distancing in stores and public areas. Grocery carts are being sanitized and each customer is given a set of warnings at the door before they sanitize their hands. People are generally dodging anyone who is within a few feet of them in stores out of consideration and because it is mandated by law. The people I have seen wearing masks often are not wearing them properly so that their nose is covered and then they handle them once on their face. If they’re wearing gloves as well, everything they have touched is now on their face or the mask. And how many of them remove the mask carefully to prevent anything on the outside of the mask from getting on their skin? Or how many wash the mask and start with a fresh one the next trip out? Many people pull a mask out of their pocket on the way into the store, that potentially was worn before. Not using PPE correctly is more harmful than not using it at all. If we understand the science of Covid-19 whereby transmission occurs via droplet contact with a mucous membrane, social distancing and hand-sanitizing should be effective in curbing the spread.
Charlene Stewart says
I spray the WHO homemade sanitizer spray,which is mainly alcohol based, on my mask after leaving the store and tucking it in my cubby of my truck. I hope that works! Unfortinately, no one is going to wash their mask each time. And, if we are going to the store once a week, the virus should be dead on the mask for the next time!?!
I wear it out of respect for others.
tom steinberg says
I agree with Ester, people should be trained before using and it should be by choice.
Jim Bartlett says
Totally agree, I too sent a letter last week to the premiers office requesting the same with no response. I was out yesterday with people walking willy Billy all over not respecting social distancing and only a handful wearing masks. Even worn incorrectly it will offer some protection if people also respect social distancing. Walmart took out their social distancing lines in the aisles.
Stan Dronseika says
God bless you, Esther, and thank you for your input. Sometimes a little logical wisdom is more valuable than an edict.
Nancy Long says
I, like a couple of others, am concerned about the right way to use the masks. If it’s not used properly, then it’s actually more of a problem than a help. The lastest fashion accessory?
Rob Millman says
Thanks, Dale: Sugar always works better than vinegar. If ball caps, Tilley hats, and formal hats are either adjustable (or come in many sizes); then why are “one-size-fits-all” masks the only ones available? I happen to be blessed??? with a very large head; rendering these masks either unusable due to size or discomfort. I am forced, therefore, to wear a bandanna.
Most people don’t seem to appreciate the effort; but I feel that it’s less intimidating than a ski mask.
Bobbie Dyment says
I fully support your experienced opinion Esther! I have observed such careless and reckless use of face masks which defeats the purpose. The efforts we are practising now – social distancing, hand sanitizer use, restricted social/community activity, etc. is all working, slowly, but it’s working. Slap-dash use of such “protection” by the uneducated consumer is all for naught. Sunshine, fresh Muskoka air, and smiles while social distancing during this difficult time is what our immune systems need.
Aaron falcon says
No!!!
My body, my choice!
John pesci says
Masks build a false sense of security , I have watched numerous amounts of people who wear masks disregard social distancing because they believe they have extra protection I also observe masks that do nit fit properly as to how personal protection devices should fit. I also chuckle because 90% of the masks are truly ineffective due to the material being used the virus just slips through the material like sand in an hour glass. The biggest issue are the employees in home depot, loblaws, not giving way to customers cutting through customer lines to replace grocery carts or to stalk shelves. MasKS are not the issue it’s us.
E Jane Rutledge says
I think the majority of the comments say it all.
Mike Courteau says
I too sent a letter to the Premier. My main concern is the re-opening of the Canada/US border. Any one of us that has followed what is happening in the US is aware that their numbers are increasing at an alarming rate, regardless what their president says. My biggest fear is that the border re-opens and we end up with a massive problems. I also don’t really have a problem with the mask issue. I am seriously immuno-compromised and I am much more alert of my surroundings, making sure I stay away from people and I wear an N95 mask. But that’s a personal choice and I would not expect everyone to wear masks. I wear mine to protect others and I consider people wearing masks as them protecting me. This particular virus is a total unknown so we are playing blind, which is even scarier. I would rather err on the side of caution where transmission is concerned. Let’s all dream of better times to come! To the front line workers, thank you for your service. It will not be forgotten.
Margaret Brown says
Everything Esther says makes sense. You are a smart woman .
And I do not NOT agree with Mandatory mask wearing. Quit judging people, some Doppler are unable to wear masks due to physical reasons. This pandemic has shown Canada isn’t as “nice” as we thought we were. It has brought out the worst of us.
It’s very ,very sad.
How will our local businesses survive when we tell people to NOT buy from us ?
Anna-Lise Kear says
Aaron Falcon, you sound invincible! Is there a cape or ball cap to go with that look and special power you have?
We are all dependent on each other in some measure – an important life lesson. Aaron, enjoy your superhuman approach to community, to your life, and the lives of those around you. I am sure your righteous individuality will serve you well, for a time at least.
Esther’s advice is wise and should be heeded. And, yes there maybe folks who have difficulty wearing a mask, e.g. claustrophobic feel if a person already has a breathing difficulty or those who need to find a suitable size and fit.
Dale, a good letter to get us thinking and responding in helpful, society-loving ways.