By Canadian Press

Experts say masks still a top tool as Quebec considers prolonging mandate

Apr 4, 2022 | 2:20 PM

MONTREAL — As Quebec ponders bucking the Canadian trend by prolonging its mask mandate, experts say face coverings are still an effective tool to limit COVID-19 transmission.

Currently only Quebec, PEI and Nunavut still require masking in public places, with the latter two scheduled to end their mandates within the next week.

Quebec’s interim public health director told Radio-Canada on Sunday that as the province battles a sixth wave of COVID-19, he is “seriously considering” recommending that masking remain mandatory beyond the planned mid-April end.

Other provinces have resisted calls to prolong or reimpose public health restrictions, even as cases have risen in some parts of the country.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said today that his province, which has seen a one-week, 30 per cent rise in hospitalizations, can manage what he described as a “little spike” in COVID-19.

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McGill chemistry professor and aerosols expert Parisa Ariya says that while masking cannot fully stop a COVID-19 wave, it remains one of the best defences to cut transmission and protect the wearer and those around them.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2022.

The Canadian Press