Canada: Two provinces extend the regulation of wearing masks, some provinces get the fourth dose of vaccine

On April 5, the two provinces of Quebec and Prince Edward Island of Canada the regulation has been extended wear the mask until the end of April in the context of the local government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The provinces of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia said they would expand access to fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine as the National Advisory Committee on Immunization says, all provinces and territories should prepare to begin rolling out this second booster shot.

“Preliminary data indicate that a second booster dose provides additional protection, including against severe disease,” according to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

The decisions come days after the Public Health Agency of Canada said there appeared to be a resurgence of COVID-19 in the country and encouraged Canadians to stay vigilant to help limit the spread of the virus. latest variant.

In Quebec City in the province of Quebec, Interim Public Health Director Dr. Luc Boileau said he would extend the mandatory mask-wearing rule until the end of April due to an increase in the number of infections and Hospitalization across the province.

Two provinces in Canada have extended mandatory mask regulations. (Photo: The Star)

Health Canada reported that the number of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 on April 5 increased to 72 people, while the number of new cases was 1,479.

Mr. Boileau said that wearing a mask is an effective way to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, adding that while not everyone likes to wear a mask, this health measure is a “limitation”. acceptable in the present situation”.

Prince Edward State reports 3,619 cases of COVID-19 being treated and 30 people have been hospitalized.

Prince Edward province’s director of public health, Dr Heather Morrison, said that masks will be more effective against the virus when there is a requirement to use them: “Masks will be one of the last resort measures. be removed together”.

Other provinces have resisted calls to reintroduce restrictions on public health, including mask regulations, even as new cases have increased in some parts of Canada. .

Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health official, said that in this province, the number of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 both decreased. That means it’s time to lift public health orders. However, the province is rolling out a fourth dose of the vaccine for the elderly, starting with those in nursing homes and, in the coming weeks, with people over 70 in the community.

The province of Quebec will also expand access to a fourth dose of the vaccine, while the province of Ontario will announce plans to begin providing an additional booster dose to people 60 years of age and older on April 6. The provincial government of Ontario expects the vaccine to be given to care workers and people in nursing homes, as well as immunocompromised people.

The Ontario government’s plan comes as hospitalizations are on the rise. The province said that up to 1,091 people have been hospitalized due to COVID-19, nearly 40% higher than a week ago.

Ontario ended mandatory mask wearing regulations in most public spaces two weeks ago, with the exception of public transport locations and healthcare facilities.

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