Covid-19: Doug Ford advises Ontarians to wear masks

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Sunday advised Ontarians to “wear masks whenever possible.”

• Read more: Variations exist in Quebec

“Wear masks as much as possible […] If you haven’t already been vaccinated, get vaccinated [votre dose de rappel], and get your flu shot. These are the recommendations that I have,” said Mr. Ford said.

Chief Medical Officer of the Province Dr. Kieran Moore is recommending, but not mandating, the wearing of face masks on Monday morning, according to several local media outlets.

The recommendation comes as the province’s children’s hospitals deal with a significant number of patients and an increase in respiratory illnesses, not to mention a shortage of pain relievers for children.

In Quebec, the Ministry of Health is involved

There is no indication that Quebec will take inspiration from the recommendation, although the health minister’s office has expressed great concern about the spread of multiple viruses and the number of patients in emergency rooms.

“We know the situation is difficult in our emergencies right now. It is important to note that apart from COVID-19, the increase in cases of influenza and other respiratory viruses among children is of great concern to us,” the QMI agency was informed by email.

The ministry clarified that it was following the “situation very closely with public health” and that it could “participate soon”.

“It’s important to protect yourself and others when you have symptoms of COVID-19.