Henry deserves credit, not criticism
Re: No time for Dr. Henry’s authority
During a pandemic, the decisions of our appointed public health officials should obviously be monitored carefully but, as far as possible, can we please base our criticisms upon the thoughtful analysis of current research?
Your publication of what was little more than a tantrum by Mr. Marano did nothing to advance useful debate and contained an entirely unwarranted attack on an excellent public servant and her hard-working team.
It is important to understand the different types of research trials before placing too much faith in their results. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the best way to produce clean results free from observer bias. However, they are expensive to run and take time to complete. In the rush of a new emergency, there is no time for RCTs, so the initial decisions can only be based on careful observations. With the exception of current vaccine trials, almost all decisions are based on the results of observational studies. This includes recommendations for eye protection, coughing into your elbow, social distancing and, of course, face masks.
The cumulative experience of numerous observational studies around the world has resulted in recommendations that successfully control viral spread (as long as they are followed), but there is no RCT-based proof for any single part.
This means that fine details cannot be defined; the use of face masks in public is a perfect example. What is the best design, what is the best material, for that matter, are they effective at all? Do they protect the wearer from infection or are they only useful at limiting airborne spread by those who don’t know they are infected?
For definitive answers, we’ll need individual RCTs to answer each separate question. Failing that, can we all just calm down and wear a mask around others?
Those who want a simple world free from grey areas will be upset by all this uncertainty, but that is the situation we are in. Uncertainty does not mean incompetence; it means public health teams around the world are examining the available observational studies in the light of their unique local circumstances. Results will vary. In the U.K., masks are obligatory in shops, public transport and shopping queues. They are only voluntary in bingo halls, spas and auction houses. It is so complex that a government checklist is provided so that the public can sort out what they have to do under any one of dozens of circumstances.
Dr. Bonnie Henry and her team have to read and interpret hundreds of studies. They have to sort out which are good, which are bad and how they fit into B.C.’s particular social variables. Their decisions are not perfect but B.C.’s COVID-19 statistics speak for themselves. Our job is to keep ourselves informed, listen to expert local advice and act sensibly in a calm and kind manner.
Fact-free rants have no place in this process.
Dr. Mike Seear, Vancouver
Leadership has been kind, patient, smart
I am shocked that you published the letter from Chilliwack denying Dr. Bonnie Henry’s authority. She is the leader who has taken incredible care of British Columbia these past six months.
Surely the reader recognizes the doctor’s medical knowledge and vast experience. Dr. Henry has spoken to us with intelligence, patience and kindness. We all need guidance with this pandemic, including teachers and all who care about the health of others.
Jackie Smith, West Vancouver