National

No mask mandate for B.C.: health officer

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Nov, 2022 02:03 PM

VICTORIA - British Columbia's provincial health officer says she doesn't believe there's a need for the "heavy hand" of a mask mandate.

Dr. Bonnie Henry said while influenza cases are up, 90 per cent of people in the province have some immunity to the COVID-19 virus through vaccination, infection or both.

Henry said masks are an important tool, but they should be used in situations where it makes sense, including in health-care settings.

She said B.C.'s hospitals are seeing an increase in influenza, which is preventable by getting a vaccine.

Join Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, for an update on the respiratory illness season in British Columbia. https://t.co/Y2JcKNrLR5
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) November 16, 2022

“I do not believe we need the heavy hand of a mandate to send a clear message that masks are an important tool that we can all use during this time and in every respiratory season. We should have one with us, we should use it in situations where it makes sense."

Henry said wearing a mask may differ during situations, such as on a crowded bus, or if a person is worried they might be unwell.

"If I have a sick child at home, I may wear a mask in my workplace to be extra cautious, even though I'm feeling well and I need to go, and I can go, in to work," she said.

Health Minister Adrian Dix said 1.2 million B.C. residents have already received a flu shot this year, twice as many as last year.

He said the province is opening more hospital beds in preparation for the flu season, but the situation isn't as desperate as in other provinces.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. study says 80% of kids, youth have had COVID

The study, which lists Dr. Bonnie Henry among 13 authors, says that in contrast, 60 to 70 per cent of adults aged 20 to 59 and about 40 per cent of those aged 60 and over have been infected. The preprint study, which has not been peer-reviewed, was published online on Sept. 9 and says a series of surveillance reports of infections were understating the actual levels of infection by 92 times.

B.C. study says 80% of kids, youth have had COVID

Most Canadians indifferent to monarchy: poll

The poll from Leger and the Association of Canadian Studies also found that while some Canadians are happy about King Charles III taking the throne and others are not, most are largely indifferent to Canada’s new head of state.

Most Canadians indifferent to monarchy: poll

Liberals announce cost-of-living help

Until now, the government has said it is helping through existing policies, such as child care agreements with the provinces and automatic annual increases to programs like the GST rebate and Canada Child Benefit, as well as 2021 budget promises to increase benefits for seniors and low-income workers.

Liberals announce cost-of-living help

Canada donates up to $28 million for Pakistan

Emergency food, water, sanitation and health services are badly needed after monsoon rains over the last three months have left more than one-third of the country underwater. More than 33 million people are affected by the floods and with much of the country's agricultural land underwater, the Pakistani government is warning of an impending food shortage.

Canada donates up to $28 million for Pakistan

Warmer fall expected across much of Canada

The network says in its fall forecast that much of Canada can expect warmer-than-normal conditions throughout September before temperatures start to drop in October. It says the amount of precipitation will vary across the country, though most parts will see fewer storms than usual.

Warmer fall expected across much of Canada

Monday is federal holiday for Queen's funeral

Speaking at a caucus retreat in New Brunswick today, Trudeau says "declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is going to be important." He says the government will be working with provinces and territories to ensure they're "aligned."