With the COVID-19 pandemic now in its 12th month, an end to the deadly health crisis may actually be in sight, with hundreds of thousands of Canadians already vaccinated and millions more set to receive inoculations in coming days.
Incredible as it sounds, it may actually be only a matter of months until the pandemic is over, at least in Canada. With thousands of people already dead and many businesses and industries devastated, and in some cases destroyed, the day the pandemic is over will be very welcomed indeed.
Yet until the time comes when people are made safe through the vaccination program, many challenges posed by the pandemic continue to face the community at large.
One of those challenges revolves around what should be done to prevent the disease from spreading. In particular, the issue of mandatory masks has become more and more controversial by the day.
Those advocating continued mandatory use of the face coverings say failing to use them endangers the general public and could lead to an increase in cases, particular among those at high risk such as seniors.
“People who are sick spread illness,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health. “Wearing a mask may be helpful in protecting others around you.”
On the other hand, some of those opposed to wearing masks say the government has no right to tell them what to do and that having to a wear mask is a violation of their human rights.
A number of recent anti-restriction rallies in the province, including in this district, have seen hundreds of individuals not wearing masks and not social distancing. Customers not wearing masks has also become increasingly common in some businesses, including in grocery stores.
For what it’s worth, a recent Albertan poll found that 69 per cent of respondents believe local businesses should not be serving unmasked customers.
Thankfully the vaccination program now underway may soon make the current mask or no-mask debate redundant.
Dan Singleton is an editor with The Albertan.
