There is a strong, evidence-based case for making face masks mandatory in Canada

In a crisis such as this global pandemic, individual and collective conduct is directly proportional to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, our ability to contain it, and the damage it causes in lost lives, quality of health and economic downturn.

By adopting behaviour such as sheltering in place, hand washing, surface decontamination, physical distancing, restricting nursing home visits, and eliminating non-essential travel, we have reduced the spread of the virus and have saved thousands of lives. Areas that need more attention are widespread, fast and accurate testing, contact tracing, and isolation for those assumed to be infected.

One of the simplest ways to mitigate transmitting the contagion is wearing a face mask. So why have public health officials not pushed for compulsory face masks in public places?

Shutting down society to reach this goal was a temporary measure intended to distribute infections over a longer period of time, preventing a spike so that there is capacity to treat the sick; and for governments to implement measures that make us safer. Most Canadians likely agree on this principle.

Keeping an indefinite national lockdown was never a viable long-term option because of the irreversible damage to the economy and the negative health consequences to those with other ailments who don’t get treated.

As our governments grapple with safe ways to reopen the economy and life in general, the required wearing of a face mask in public needs to be at the top of the list. It’s a strategy backed by laboratory, clinical science and modelling. The more people wear cloth masks and the earlier universal mask wear is adopted, the less the viral spread.

The virus spreads primarily through small droplets that are not only generated by coughing or sneezing, but also by speaking, sighing, and simply breathing. There is also growing evidence that smaller drops get “aerosolized,” which allows virus to stay suspended in the air for hours and travel further distances than two meters. Since people shed the virus before feeling sick, blocking transmission outwards from asymptomatic carriers has a crucial role in halting the spread of disease and benefitting society at large. We would all be doing a great public service by internalizing the notion that “my mask protects you, your mask protects me.”

Non-medical, homemade masks may be less effective, but scientific data shows that they provide a significant benefit in reducing transmissibility. Masks also remind us to avoid touching our mouth, nose and eyes.

Health authorities have changed their position on face masks but have fallen short of making them mandatory. Instead, corporations like Cost co, Air Canada, Uber, and even corner grocery stores are leading the way. Only recently, has the government changed its stance to recommend face coverings be worn on public transportation, and in interior public spaces, with provinces not yet flattening the curve.

What is desperately needed are laws and penalties to ensure compliance.

Simply put — not enough Canadians are using masks. We need all our leaders to use masks and lead by example as was seen in press briefings led by premiers, and recently Justin Trudeau showing his masking “preference.”

Universal mask wear is a readily available, cost effective solution that will save lives and get society back at work — it just takes the courage and will to require our population to change cultural norms to accept mask wearing as the new normal and to incorporate this message into aggressive public education campaigns.

Forcing behaviours like wearing a face mask will undoubtedly create controversy and spark pushback from those who worry about the encroachment on individual rights. Recent comments by Julius Grey, a civil rights lawyer, highlight that the COVID-19 pandemic would be the kind of public health condition to warrant such a measure. Governments would also need to ensure access to masks for everyone.

Countries that have adopted mandatory mask use early have not only achieved better control over the pandemic but also have shown significant positive effects on their economies. Asian countries have adopted universal mask usage after their experiences with previous epidemics.

Germany, France, Spain, Israel, over 80 countries with 34 States require some form of mandatory public masking. We urge Canada to follow suit.

Science tells us that universal mas king is one piece of the solution, so what are we waiting for? Time is of the essence as we seek to recover physically, emotionally and financially from the worst crisis of our generation.

There is growing evidence that smaller drops get ‘aerosolized,’ which allows virus to stay suspended in the air for hours and travel further distances than two meters