Mandatory masking is needed in B.C.

Dear Editor:

Our Bonnie and Clyde are nothing like the notorious criminals of history.

Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix have given us must-watch TV, becoming high-profile personalities who have guided us through Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the COVID-19 lockdown in B.C.

For the most part, their performance has been exemplary and for that we shall forever be grateful. However, in my opinion they have made a couple glaring missteps. The first misstep could have been avoided at the turn of a phrase. Most psychologists and sociologists could recognize it instantly.

As a medical scientist and a highly skilled politician, they should have recognized their misstep before it became a public declaration.

One does not just release agitated, caged creatures whose raging hormones or lack of common sense often guide their dangerous, selfish behavior.

When Phase 3 was announced with attending fanfare and with much relief by many B.C. residents, it was publicly declared that, “we won’t be going back to Phase 2 restrictions.”

It was a terrible message and a carte blanche invitation to the aforementioned caged creatures to throw caution to the wind and go crazy.

What these people heard was, “no matter what we do, we are not going back to Phase 2 restrictions. Social distancing sucks and the hell with voluntary face masks; it’s time to end this forced isolation.”

What should have been declared was: “if common sense prevails, and if our numbers remain low, and if the curve remains flat, then we won’t have to return to Phase 2 restrictions.”

This misstep still can and should be rectified before greater damage is done.

The other misstep is continuing and mind boggling. Why do Bonnie and Clyde persist in their intransigence about issuing a mandatory masking order?

When BC Transit, TransLink, Wal-Mart, MEC and other establishments and organizations, really get it and require face masks, then why is there still no mandatory order?

What about masks for older students returning to middle school and high school?

If wearing a mask protects others from you, then why shouldn’t everyone wear a mask? Not having mandatory masking where social distancing cannot be assured, contradicts Dr. Henry’s own orders and common sense. Let’s catch up with most of Canada and most of the world. B.C. needs mandatory masking now!

Ard Caldwell

Kelowna