A large cross-section of Physicians in the Prince Rupert area have outlined their recommendation on the topic of wearing home made cloth masks in the community, with nineteen doctors in the area having signed a letter encouraging residents of the region to wear one for public protection against COVID-19.
The recommendation for the public was relayed through Mayor Lee Brain's social media platform today.
We, the undersigned physicians of Prince Rupert strongly encourage members of the public to wear a homemade cloth mask when out in public for protection against COVID-19.
In the past few months, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and China have gotten this disease under control. Taiwan, right next to China, has had only five deaths from COVID-19. In all of these countries, everyone wears a mask when out in public.
In Italy, the USA, and Canada, the COVID-19 epidemic is not under control. Authorities in these countries have told their citizens not to wear masks in public. They are wrong. We need to follow the lead of the Asian countries who have been successful in fighting COVID-19
Half of COVID-19 patients may have such mild symptoms that they do not even know they are ill. When you cough, sneeze, or talk, you spew tiny droplets into the air. These droplets can spread the virus to others. Masks prevent the spread of respiratory droplets. My mask protects you. Your mask protects me.
They make note how the wearing of the cloth masks will help bring the epidemic under control, but remind those that will be wearing one not to use an N95 mask or the surgical type of mask found at hospitals.
The doctor's also advise against putting one on a small child, as there is a risk of choking.
The local physicians make note of the changes in our lives at this time and make note of the many sacrifices that residents have made to date as part of the response to the pandemic.
It has been a hardship for many of us to isolate at home the past few weeks. We are distanced from friends and family. Businesses are closed, and people are out of work. Everyone has made sacrifices to fight this disease.
We physicians are getting masks sewn for ourselves and our families to wear as soon as possible. Please wear a cloth mask in public to protect you and your loved ones.
You can review the list of names of the signatories to the letter and review some links towards the making and use of masks from the Mayor's Facebook page here.
So far, the relay of that information is only available through that social media stream.
As of yesterday, the Northern Health website and social media feed was advising that masks should be used by sick people to prevent transmission to other people.
You can review those notes here.
For more notes related to the Provincial and local response to the COVID-19 Response see our archive page here.
I wonder if there are problems between some of the local doctors and Northern Health. It seems odd that the health professionals are not always speaking with one voice, and also that some doctors seem to regard the mayor's personal Facebook as their preferred channel although as an unofficial site it's in a grey zone. Dr Henry has spoken very positively about Northern Health, which is reassuring.
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