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Tag: masks

Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

BC health advocates demand return of mandatory masks in healthcare

Published May 14, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: The Peak
Published on:
By Yashita Dhillon

In response to April’s removal of mandatory mask mandates in healthcare settings, BC’s health advocacy group DoNoHarm BC, joined by Protect Our Province BC and Masks4EastVan, are leading a campaign to urge the provincial government to reinstate these protections. The groups say that BC health authorities have ignored warnings about ongoing COVID-19 risks and other respiratory threats like measles and tuberculosis.

The decision to remove mask mandates in healthcare settings was announced by the Ministry of Health, “the peak of the respiratory illness season has passed.” Though COVID-19 levels typically lessen in the spring, COVID-19 has not been established as a seasonal illness.

The Peak reached out to Dr. Karina Zeidler who organizes with DoNoHarm BC and is the co-founder of Protect Our Province BC for more information. Zeidler referenced a research article from BC Medical Journal which noted that “for some of these most vulnerable patients, the air in the hospital can be deadlier than the diagnosis that brought them in.” This is due to hospital acquired infections, which can then lead to COVID-19 deaths.

Continue readingBC health advocates demand return of mandatory masks in healthcare
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Topic: climate crisisView all posts for the topic: climate crisis

Edmonton to see smoky skies, poor air quality into Monday night

Published May 12, 2024

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Published by: CTV News
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By Brittany Ekelund

Edmontonians saw a slight improvement in the smoky skies Sunday.

The air quality index in the city had dropped from a 10 – very high risk – to a high-risk 9 by Sunday afternoon.

According to Environment Canada, wildfire smoke is harmful even at low concentrations, and residents in affected areas were told to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities and watch for symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Continue readingEdmonton to see smoky skies, poor air quality into Monday night
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BC health advocates call on government to reinstate healthcare mask requirementsA white N95 mask with yellow head straps against an orange gradient background. White text reads, Vulnerability isn’t seasonal. #KeepMasksInHealthcare. Let’s get loud! www.DoNoHarmBC.ca
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

BC health advocates call on government to reinstate healthcare mask requirements

Published April 25, 2024

Still COVIDing Canada Posts

Published by: DoNoHarm BC
Published on:

Protect Our Province BC, DoNoHarm BC, and Masks4EastVan highlight harms and human rights violations from loss of healthcare safety

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 (British Columbia) – Independent public health groups Protect Our Province BC, DoNoHarm BC, and Masks4EastVan are calling on the BC government to restore healthcare mask requirements. They are urging British Columbians to call for airborne pathogen protections in clinical settings by joining DoNoHarm BC’s campaign.

Continue readingBC health advocates call on government to reinstate healthcare mask requirements
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Topic: AlbertaView all posts for the topic: Alberta

Edmonton judges dismiss appeal by parents; Alberta school boards may not enforce their own masking mandates

Published April 24, 2024

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Published by: Edmonton Journal
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By Jackie Carmichael

A panel of Alberta appeals court judges has dismissed an appeal by parents of five immunocompromised Alberta kids.

Lawyers for the families, known only by initials, had argued the children’s Charter rights were violated in 2022 when the province stopped masking requirements and barred school boards from enforcing their own masking mandates.

Continue readingEdmonton judges dismiss appeal by parents; Alberta school boards may not enforce their own masking mandates
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Topic: Newfoundland and LabradorView all posts for the topic: Newfoundland and Labrador

Mask mandate to be lifted at N.L. hospitals Monday

Published March 28, 2024

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Published by: CBC News
Published on:

If you’re headed to the hospital on Monday, you won’t need to wear a mask as Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has updated its masking guidelines.

Masking had been required for patients and visitors at health-care facilities since February, but will no longer be required as of Monday, according to NL Health Services.

People who are seeking care and showing symptoms of viruses like COVID-19 will still be required to wear a mask. They can wear their own medical mask to the facility — but not a cloth mask — or get one on-site.

Continue readingMask mandate to be lifted at N.L. hospitals Monday
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Topic: OntarioView all posts for the topic: Ontario

Masking policy updated by Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance

Published March 27, 2024

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Published by: CTV News
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By Kristylee Varley

Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) is updating its masking policy.

“Based upon the most recent Public Health Ontario guidance, updates will be made…” read a release from the organization.

Effective immediately, masking will be “welcomed but no longer required,” in many clinical areas of HPHA hospital sites with the exception of emergency departments where masking is still required.

Masking will also still be required for anybody who has symptoms of respiratory infection such as cough, fever and sore throat. If you’re accompanying somebody with symptoms, you must also wear a mask.

Continue readingMasking policy updated by Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
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Topic: indoor air qualityView all posts for the topic: indoor air quality

Ventilation Should Be A Larger Focus In Our Fight Against Covid-19

Published March 22, 2024

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Published by: Forbes
Published on:
By Judy Stone

The CDC recently eliminated isolation periods for people ill and likely infectious from Covid. Their Healthcare Infection Control Advisory Committee drafted guidelines weakening infection precautions, particularly regarding masking. Fortunately, after a wave of public criticism, the guidelines were sent back to HICPAC for revision.

People are increasingly left to their own devices to protect themselves against infection. So, what can you do? Mask and improve ventilation. Uniformly, wearing a well-fitting, effective respirator, such as an N95 certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health or an elastomeric respirator, is the top recommendation. KF94 masks, the Korean standard, are preferred by many because, while not quite as protective, they use ear loops rather than over-the-head straps and don’t fit as tightly. KN95s meet the Chinese standards, but there were more problems with counterfeiting. Project N95 was a nonprofit I (and many) relied on because they carefully vetted their products. They have maintained a list of previously vetted products on that site, although they are no longer supplying masks.

Continue readingVentilation Should Be A Larger Focus In Our Fight Against Covid-19
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Advocacy group calls for stronger mask requirements in B.C.A young person with long black hair, a red headband and a black respirator holds two yellow signs reading: “1 in 33 in BC are currently infected” and “I’ve had long Covid for 20+ months. Please do not abandon us.” Photo: DoNoHarm BC.
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

Advocacy group calls for stronger mask requirements in B.C.

Published March 16, 2024

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Published by: CityNews
Published on:
By Aastha Pandey-Kanaan

Advocacy group launches province-wide campaign to strengthen mask protections in healthcare.

DoNoHarm BC, a grassroots group advocating for public health measures, is campaigning to keep mask protections in the healthcare industry year-long.

In a release, the organization says healthcare workers are not required to stay masked everywhere. Last April, they were able to stop masking in various settings, including in ERs, children’s hospitals, and cancer centres.

“B.C. currently requires masks in hospitals and long-term care for staff, contractors, visitors, and volunteers – but not for patients,” DoNoHarm BC said in a news release.

“While policy-makers have only guaranteed this measure for a “few months” over the winter, DoNoHarm BC notes the last time BC discarded healthcare masking, multiple medical facilities suffered COVID outbreaks.”

Continue readingAdvocacy group calls for stronger mask requirements in B.C.
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Topic: MontrealView all posts for the topic: Montreal

Mask mandate reinstated in some Quebec health facilities following rise in measles cases

Published March 15, 2024

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Published by: CityNews
Published on:
By Miguel Fowke-Quintas

New data shows Quebec with 21 measles cases as of Friday 2 p.m., including 15 in Montreal.

According to the CIUSSS de l’Est, health centres in the eastern part of the island have responded by reinstating mask mandates and launching a vaccination campaign in elementary schools.

Notre-Dame and Sainte-Justine Hospitals are also among those requiring patients to wear masks to stop the spread.

“I feel like it’s necessary, especially to protect those who are more vulnerable,” said Montrealer Selena Ringwald. “Masking really doesn’t bother me, even as someone who has breathing issues after having COVID.”

Continue readingMask mandate reinstated in some Quebec health facilities following rise in measles cases
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“Vulnerability isn’t seasonal”: DoNoHarm BC launches campaign to keep masks in BC healthcareTwo adults in N95 masks against a light blue background, one with long dark hair, assisting an elder with white hair using a walker. Black text reads, Vulnerability Isn’t Seasonal. #KeepMasksInHealthcare. Have your say by April 1, 2024. www.DoNoHarmBC.ca
Topic: British ColumbiaView all posts for the topic: British Columbia

“Vulnerability isn’t seasonal”: DoNoHarm BC launches campaign to keep masks in BC healthcare

Published March 14, 2024

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Published by: DoNoHarm BC
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Vulnerable British Columbians call for continued protections from COVID-19, measles, and other airborne diseases

March 14, 2024 (British Columbia) – DoNoHarm BC, a grassroots group advocating for evidence-based public health measures, is leading a province-wide campaign to keep mask protections in BC medical settings. The campaign, “Vulnerability Isn’t Seasonal”, also calls to strengthen infection control with patient masking; wider use of N95 masks; and coverage in private practices like GP’s offices.

BC currently requires masks in hospitals and long-term care for staff, contractors, visitors and volunteers – but not for patients. While policy-makers have only guaranteed this measure for a “few months” over the winter, DoNoHarm BC notes that the last time BC discarded healthcare masking, multiple medical facilities suffered COVID outbreaks. At the time, removal of healthcare masking contradicted guidance from the World Health Organization, and prompted BC’s Human Rights Commissioner to state that the move “does not uphold a human rights centered approach to public health.”

Continue reading“Vulnerability isn’t seasonal”: DoNoHarm BC launches campaign to keep masks in BC healthcare
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Topic: SaskatchewanView all posts for the topic: Saskatchewan

SHA disposing of large quantity of personal protective equipment supplied during pandemic

Published February 28, 2024

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Published by: CTV News
Published on:
By Wayne Mantyka

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is disposing of a large quantity of personal protective equipment (PPE) which was supplied by the federal government during the pandemic.

The SHA says it has warehouses in Regina and Saskatoon with PPE that can’t be used because they failed to meet standards or expired before they could be used.

It includes masks, face shields, gowns and gloves supplied by the federal government during the pandemic.

The SHA has now issued a request for proposals for recycling of the materials. The NDP opposition says it’s a shame that it’s all going to waste.

Continue readingSHA disposing of large quantity of personal protective equipment supplied during pandemic
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Topic: CanadaView all posts for the topic: Canada

COVID PPE makers sue Ottawa for $5B, say feds broke promise

Published February 14, 2024

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Published by: Global News
Published on:
By Patti Sonntag

Fifteen Canadian mask and respirator manufacturers are suing the federal government for $5.4 billion in damages, claiming that Ottawa broke its promises to buy their products to fight the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement of claim filed in Federal Court last week, the companies and their industry association, the Canadian Association of PPE Manufacturers (CAPPEM), made “negligent misrepresentations” that prompted them to invest in personal protection equipment innovations, manufacturing and production.

The federal government will have an opportunity to file a defence to the unproven allegations as the court case proceeds.

Continue readingCOVID PPE makers sue Ottawa for $5B, say feds broke promise
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Topic: New JerseyView all posts for the topic: New Jersey

Not wearing a mask during COVID-19 health emergency isn’t a free speech right, appeals court says

Published February 6, 2024

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Published by: The Associated Press
Published on:
By Mike Catalini

A federal appeals court shot down claims Monday that New Jersey residents’ refusal to wear face masks at school board meetings during the COVID-19 outbreak constituted protected speech under the First Amendment.

The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in two related cases stemming from lawsuits against officials in Freehold and Cranford, New Jersey.

The suits revolved around claims that the plaintiffs were retaliated against by school boards because they refused to wear masks during public meetings. In one of the suits, the court sent the case back to a lower court for consideration. In the other, it said the plaintiff failed to show she was retaliated against.

Continue readingNot wearing a mask during COVID-19 health emergency isn’t a free speech right, appeals court says
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Topic: Newfoundland and LabradorView all posts for the topic: Newfoundland and Labrador

Mask mandates return to N.L. hospitals today. Here’s what you need to know

Published February 5, 2024

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Published by: CBC News
Published on:
By Ryan Cooke

If you’re heading to a hospital or other health-care facility after 8 a.m. on Monday, you will be required to put on a mask.

The province has returned to masking mandates in health-care centres for the first time since May 2023. The move comes amid concerns about respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, strep A and other airborne viruses.

The provincial health department has said it’s a temporary measure, and will be re-evaluated on March 31.

Continue readingMask mandates return to N.L. hospitals today. Here’s what you need to know
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Topic: Newfoundland and LabradorView all posts for the topic: Newfoundland and Labrador

N.L. health-care facilities reviving mask mandate, says minister

Published February 1, 2024

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Published by: CBC News
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Mandatory masking is returning to all areas where clinical care is provided in health facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Health Minister Tom Osborne told CBC News Thursday the recommendation was made by the Infection Prevention And Control team at N.L. Health Services, aiming to protect people inside the hospital and those entering the facilities.

Continue readingN.L. health-care facilities reviving mask mandate, says minister
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Topic: the pandemic is not overView all posts for the topic: the pandemic is not over

COVID Isn’t Going Anywhere. Masking Up Could Save My Life.

Published January 17, 2024

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Published by: Teen Vogue
Published on:
By Alice Wong

The answers lie in poop. Based on the latest national sample of wastewater taken on January 13, 2024, the concentration of the SARS-Cov-2 virus is 1,132 copies/mL of sewage, an alarming increase compared to 280 copies/mL six months ago. This is one sign that cases of COVID infections have been rising, resulting in more hospitalizations, deaths, and people developing long COVID.

Like millions of other high-risk people who are service workers, older, chronically ill, disabled, or immunocompromised, I have done everything I can to remain as safe as possible. Due to neuromuscular disability and respiratory failure, my chances of surviving an infection are slim to none. With the latest JN.1 variant likely even more contagious – or better practiced at evading immune system defenses – than previous ones, I wonder if this is the surge when I will become infected, which is terrifying.

Continue readingCOVID Isn’t Going Anywhere. Masking Up Could Save My Life.
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Topic: European UnionView all posts for the topic: European Union

Spain considers nationwide hospital mask rule, as flu, COVID hit Europe

Published January 8, 2024

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Published by: Reuters
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Spain’s government proposed a nationwide mandate for people to wear masks in hospitals and health clinics on Monday, and Italy said respiratory illness infection rates had hit a record, as flu and COVID spread across Europe.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommended that people on the continent stay home if they feel sick, and consider wearing masks in crowds or healthcare settings, with flu spreading as it typically does this time of year but hitting some countries harder than others.

Continue readingSpain considers nationwide hospital mask rule, as flu, COVID hit Europe
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JN.1 is Canada’s new dominant COVID-19 subvariant. Here’s what to knowThis scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (yellow), isolated from a patient in the United States, emerging from the surface of cells (blue/pink) cultured in the lab. Image captured and colourized at NIAID’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana. Credit: NIAID.
Topic: JN.1View all posts for the topic: JN.1

JN.1 is Canada’s new dominant COVID-19 subvariant. Here’s what to know

Published January 5, 2024

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Published by: Global News
Published on:
By Katie Dangerfield

A new COVID-19 subvariant, known as JN.1, has emerged and is now the prevailing strain across Canada, prompting health experts to caution that it may be more infectious and could even have extra symptoms.

Currently, the subvariant makes up the highest proportion of all COVID-19 variants, accounting for more than half (51.9 per cent) of all infections in Canada, according to the latest data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

JN.1 was first detected in Canada on Oct. 9, and since then has rapidly increased.

Continue readingJN.1 is Canada’s new dominant COVID-19 subvariant. Here’s what to know
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