With the arrival of fall, respiratory illnesses are on the rise in 2023, just as they traditionally do during this season. While some Canadian jurisdictions have reintroduced mask mandates in certain healthcare settings, Alberta has chosen to leave the decision up to individuals. According to Ministry of Health press secretary Charlotte Taillon, “Alberta’s government has been clear in the past, we will not be mandating masks for Albertans.” She further stated that during COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare facilities, individuals are expected to take precautions such as staying home, rescheduling visits, or wearing masks.
However, Dr. Darren Markland, an intensive care physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, believes that the responsibility is being shouldered by individuals instead of the government. He argues that this approach is ineffective for public health and infectious diseases. Markland points to the pandemic as an example, where individual actions had a direct impact on the spread of the disease. He suggests that the health ministry’s decisions appear to be politically driven rather than based on health policy, and encourages Albertans to use common sense to prevent illnesses.
The statement from Alberta Health coincided with Health Minister Adriana LaGrange’s announcement that 20 Albertans had died from COVID-19 in just 20 days. LaGrange reported a total of 52 cases of influenza, with 10 hospitalizations and no deaths or ICU admissions, and 1,470 cases of COVID-19, resulting in 286 hospitalizations and 13 ICU admissions during the same period.
According to Markland, hospitals in Edmonton are seeing a significant number of COVID-19 cases, as well as some cases of RSV, with preparations already underway for the peak of influenza season later in the winter. He emphasizes that respiratory diseases are expected to cause deaths among a certain segment of the population, particularly the frail and immunocompromised. Markland believes that the approach to respiratory viruses should be similar to the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the benefits of masking were initially uncertain, there is now increasing evidence of its effectiveness. He recommends using masks within hospitals, especially in areas where immunocompromised patients are present, to mitigate the risks associated with having sick individuals in close proximity.
While other provinces in Canada, such as British Columbia and Ontario, have reinstated mask mandates in healthcare settings, Alberta’s government aims to empower local decision-making. They suggest that individual operators may make decisions based on specific circumstances in the future. Alberta Health Services did not provide any additional comments on the matter.
In conclusion, respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Alberta during the fall season, and the government has chosen to allow individuals to decide whether to wear masks. However, healthcare professionals like Dr. Darren Markland believe that this approach places too much responsibility on individuals and does not adequately address public health concerns. Markland recommends the use of masks in hospital settings to protect vulnerable patients. While other provinces have reintroduced mask mandates, Alberta’s government prefers to empower local decision-making.
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