With Timmins council expected to debate mandatory masks this week, it's a conversation medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton says the Porcupine Health Unit has also been having.
As Ontario gradually reopens its economy, municipalities and health units have implemented policies for mandatory mask use in indoor public spaces.
Timmins is in the second phase of the provincial reopening and many businesses are operating again.
At the last council meeting, Timmins Mayor George Pirie asked for a staff report on masks. It is expected to be talked about at the Tuesday, July 14 council meeting.
Catton said the health unit is in discussion with the city on the bylaw, adding they've been having the discussion with many, many partners.
In other areas of the province, Canada and globally, she said there have been outbreaks associated with opening up and people having more opportunities to be out. She said there's a shared responsibility to open in a manner that doesn't increase the risk of infection to the population as a whole.
“While we’ve been hoping for a consistent provincial direction I have continued to be in contact with other northern colleagues and other (medical officers of health) and really looking at consistency in potential approaches and messaging across the north," she said.
"And in the meantime, yes, we’ve been looking at exploring the options and preparing for various options to really further support increased mask use in public as a really important addition to the physical distancing, the diligent handwashing and staying home when unwell and other infection prevention measures for our combined and collective approach to reducing the risk of spread for COVID-19."
In the Sudbury area, a Public Health Sudbury and Districts directive went into effect last week asking people wear a face covering in local businesses or using public transit. Algoma Public Health is doing the same, with the new rules starting Friday, July 17.
Catton explained there are three general ways to mandate COVID-19 mask use.
There is a section 22 order under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act or a municipal bylaw can be passed. The option she said other health units have used is the Emergency Management and Civil Protect Act.
The end goal of each option, she said, is the same — increased mask use.
The enforcement for each option is different.
“And I think when it comes to enforcement that is the challenging part, I mean this really is a public health risk, it is a population risk, it is something that we each bear responsibility for the health and well-being of our entire community. And that’s where we really continue to work to promote and support kindness and compassion and recognition that this is an opportunity for us all to take the measures to protect one another,” she said.
In the Porcupine Health Unit area, there have been 68 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of those, 59 are recovered and eight people have died.
There is one known active case of the virus in the region. It was reported today (July 12) and is a man in his 20s from the area of Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls. He was tested July 9 and is in self-isolation. The investigation is ongoing.
Current provincial rules allow for social circles, where you can have close contact with a maximum of 10 people, and social gatherings with a maximum of 10 people who are physically distanced.
Catton said the social interaction with people and the economic activity are important for communities.
“But as we do this there is a greater risk of spreading potential infections, regular infections that we see and also COVID,” she said.
Many of the questions about mandatory masks is why it would be enforced now and not earlier, or when there's a potential spike in cases locally.
Throughout the pandemic, Catton explained the evidence and recommendations have evolved.
“And all I can say is it’s a good thing because it means that we’re responding to the evidence and to the data and to information that’s available as it becomes available,” she said.
People are out in public more now, and travel has also increased.
"When we had more cases they were generally not out at work for the most part, most workplaces and businesses were closed, there was very minimal movement of individuals. People were not supposed to be out visiting or out in public as much if at all,” she said.
Catton said it's "exceedingly important to recognize the different level of risks and exposures."
“Even though we have not had positive cases to announce, it does not mean that there are not cases in our communities and I think we need to really recognize the difference and still have that level of suspicion and act like COVID-19 exposure is possible and probably anytime when we’re out in public," she said.
When talking about masks, Catton said people should recognize and respect there are people who aren't able to wear a non-medical mask or face covering, whether it's for a medical or other reason.
For people wearing a mask, she said it's important they feel comfortable and supported to do so.
Residents wanting to having a say on the municipal debate can fill out a survey here.
To reach out directly to your ward councillor, their contacts are available here.
If you are wearing a non-medical mask, this video from the health unit has tips on how to properly wear it.
