Listen Live

Tam says non-medical masks protect others from infection, not the wearer

Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer says that of the more than 346,000 tests done Canada-wide, about 5-percent have come back positive for COVID-19.

Dr. Theresa Tam says the federal government’s greatest worry is the numerous outbreaks in high-risk settings and the increasing number of cases in First Nations and at least one Inuit community.

Dr. Tam was heavily pressed about the use of masks. She says medical masks are in short supply worldwide, and must be conserved for those on the frontlines and are in close contact with confirmed cases.

She says non-medical masks can be an additional layer to not infect others and can help to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets to others.  But, she urged that nothing replaces the need to maintain physical distancing, proper respiratory hygiene, and self-isolating if you are ill or traveled recently.

She notes that face coverings can present a suffocation risk to babies and others under the age of 2 as well as those with difficulty breathing and others who may not be able to remove the mask on their own.

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Cold Lake council offering 1,000 free kids tickets for RCMP Musical Ride

The RCMP Musical Ride is coming to Cold Lake on July 24 and the city is making it easier for families to attend by giving up to 1,000 free children's tickets. 

Cold Lake adjusts sponsorship for RCMP charity golf tournament

During the June 24th council meeting, Cold Lake city council approved a request to move $3,500 sponsorship grant for the upcoming RCMP Charity Golf Tournament after the original sponsorship level became unavailable. 

Safety upgrades pushed for St. Brides intersection following deadly crash

St. Paul councillor is calling for safety improvements at the St. Brides intersection following a deadly crash in April that claimed three lives. 

Two arrested after firearm and drug seized in Elk Point

Two people are facing firearm and drug-related charges after Elk Point RCMP stopped a vehicle on the mourning of June 19.

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.
- Advertisement -