Editor:
Our government health officials are failing us and failing our essential non-medical workers by not mandating, or at least strongly recommending, face coverings for everyone out in public right now. We’re learning the virus may be transmitted in simple conversation with asymptomatic persons (no sneezing or coughing necessary). Countries that encouraged mask wearing early are doing best. Some such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore are doing much better than Canada.
The National Post reported recently that U.S. supermarket workers are getting sick, and are justly upset they were not allowed to wear masks and gloves early on. Masks on staff would have helped significantly, contrary to what we’ve been told. And masks on customers would have been even better. Merchants need to request that all their customers wear masks.
Ask yourself, if your daughter or son were one of those retail workers, in contact with dozens or hundreds of people every day, wouldn’t you want those customers as well as your loved one to be wearing masks? I know I sure would.
Of course, strict social distancing and hand washing must continue as well. Masks are not a substitute, but a very valuable addition. They could hasten our return to normal.
For the evidence, check out the Masks4All website. It has links to multiple studies and information making it clear: the official guidance on this has been late, lukewarm, sometimes wrong, and likely harmful.
Joanne Sawadsky, Roberts Creek
