“Have we reached the endemic phase of Covid-19 in your view?” asked MP Davies. “In my view no,” replied Tam. “We are in a transition phase. An endemic period is where we have much more predictability on the pattern of this virus and we can then anticipate a more regularized response, if you like. We are not there yet.”
Mask Rule Must Remain: Tam
Mask Rule Must Remain: Tam
It makes no sense to lift federal mask mandates for air travelers, Dr. Theresa Tam said yesterday. The Department of Transport called the requirement the “least cumbersome” pandemic precaution.
“We hope we are passed the extreme acute phase, the crisis phase of the pandemic,” Tam yesterday testified at the Commons health committee. “We are on the road to a more steady state. We’re not there yet.”
“What is important is preparedness,” said Tam. “Get prepared. Get prepared for a potential nasty variant that’s going to come along that’s not only highly transmissible but can cause a severe outcome. Be prepared for that scenario.”
“I would say Canadians who have learned all these different great public health measures, personal protective measures, should consider they keep on going with those layers of protective measures they can put on not just for Covid-19 but for influenza and other respiratory viruses making a comeback,” said Tam.
“Is it premature to lift federal mask mandates at present?” asked New Democrat MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway). “That is not my decision to make,” replied Dr. Tam.
“You are Canada’s chief public health officer,” said MP Davies. “If you don’t know I don’t know who else we ask. Is it premature to lift federal mask mandates or not? Yes, no or you don’t know?”
“At the height of a sixth wave?” replied Dr. Tam. “No I don’t think we should be lifting mask recommendations.”
“Have we reached the endemic phase of Covid-19 in your view?” asked MP Davies. “In my view no,” replied Tam. “We are in a transition phase. An endemic period is where we have much more predictability on the pattern of this virus and we can then anticipate a more regularized response, if you like. We are not there yet.”
The air travelers’ mask mandate was introduced April 20, 2020. It was the first cabinet order of its kind. No similar federal mandate was introduced during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra yesterday said he saw no reason to lift the mask rule. “The first thing we’re looking at currently is the vaccine mandate,” Alghabra told reporters. “The mask mandate is also looked at but in my opinion it’s the least cumbersome measure that infringes the least on passengers.”
“It offers a meaningful layer of protection,” said Alghabra. Repealing the mask mandate was not an “immediate priority,” he added.
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