After the doctors, it is the turn of Public Health to implore New Brunswickers to wear masks in public in order to curb the spread of respiratory viruses.
Across the country, the spread of respiratory viruses is worrying public health authorities.
On Sunday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced that Canada is facing an influenza epidemic.
In many hospitals, multiple influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are overwhelming pediatric care units.
The situation also worries the health authorities of New Brunswick.
During a press briefing on Friday afternoon, Dr. Yves Léger, acting chief medical officer of health, asked New Brunswickers to take measures to protect the province’s already very fragile hospital system, in particular because of the labor shortage there.
“I am very worried that the situation will get worse. We are in a period of higher flu and RSV activity and if on top of that COVID-19 is added to that I’m afraid more people will be sick at the same time which will require more care and will make the situation in hospitals even more difficult, said Dr. Léger. We are therefore here to convey this important message to New Brunswickers. We can have an impact on how this all plays out if everyone works together.”
Although COVID-19 activity has remained stable in the province for the past few weeks, Dr. Léger fears an increase in cases this fall or winter.
Public Health therefore strongly suggests that all New Brunswickers re-adopt the wearing of masks in indoor public places. Frequent hand washing and vaccination are also recommended. Citizens are also asked to stay home when they show symptoms of respiratory infection.
“I know it’s boring to talk about these things again, but the truth is that they work,” says the medical officer of health.
Earlier this week, two New Brunswick medical associations also took a stand to encourage New Brunswickers to wear a mask in public.
For the moment, Public Health is not considering again making it compulsory to wear a mask. Dr. Léger says, however, that the situation is being closely monitored and that he will not hesitate to make the recommendation if necessary.
“What particularly worries me is what is happening elsewhere in the country. We see and we hear that in other provinces, the hospital system, especially the pediatric system, is overflowing and has overcapacity. The situation is already difficult here and it could get worse if we don’t take action right away,” he fears.
Public health fights back
Public Health has come under fire this week for not communicating enough with New Brunswick citizens about the risks posed by COVID-19, the flu or RSV outbreak.
During a press briefing organized on Friday afternoon, the acting chief medical officer, Dr. Yves Léger, wanted to respond to his detractors.
Dr. Léger explained that he has not been able to give many media interviews for the past few weeks due to a very busy schedule, both personally and professionally.
“I recognize that communication with citizens is a very important part of this job, it is something that I take very seriously. I promised New Brunswickers that I would speak to them directly when there were important issues to share with them, and that is why I am here today. In fact, I have been working with our communications team since the beginning of the week so that I can discuss these important issues with you.