Mask requirement should be extended

Re: “Transit users must wear masks by end of July, Legault says” (Montreal Gazette, July 2)

As Premier François Legault announced mandatory masks on public transit, the Toronto and Peel regions moved to require them in all indoor public spaces.

Why is Quebec not doing this, especially in our high-density urban centres?

The other day I went to the Montreal General Hospital for a blood test. I wore a mask from the time I left my car and was expecting everyone else to be wearing one. But in the lobby I saw a fairly large group of security people, some with masks and others without, and they were not social distancing.

On the sixth floor, visitors and staff were a mixed bag of mask wearers and non-mask wearers. Many of these people were riding elevators together. Why are masks not mandatory in hospital settings?

I am not directing blame at the Montreal General, which is providing quality health care in trying conditions. My criticism is directed at the Legault government and its seemingly laissez-faire attitude and late action on the matter of face coverings.

That the government is not requiring people to wear masks, especially in healthcare settings, is hard to comprehend.

Louise Myron, Beaconsfield