With Ontario entering the sixth wave of COVID-19 infections accompanied by few remaining public health measures, Dr. Mustafa Hirji said the humble mask is still effective in reducing the chances of infection and the spread of the virus. “Everyone should wear masks again, even if the government does not require it,” he said. “We should all wear it because it protects ourselves, but, most importantly, it protects everyone around us, whether they are older or have underlying medical conditions. “If we have symptoms of illness, make sure we stay home and do not go to school or go to work or go out doing social activities. “We do not want to spread the infection to others and be responsible for making this thing even worse.” About 91 percent of Ontario residents 12 years of age and older have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, but only about 60 percent have received three. Although COVID-19 vaccines protect against serious diseases, vaccinated people can become infected and transmit COVID-19. When combined with other recommended public health measures, a well-constructed, well-fitting, well-worn mask helps prevent the spread of COVID-19. “An Angus Reid poll a few weeks ago found that 75 percent of people support continued mask use,” Hirji said. “It also showed about two-thirds of the support for real vaccine passports or vaccination requirements. “The vast majority of people, I think, understand that masks work and will wear them if they are told it is important. “We just need to make sure that people receive this message and that they are not misled into thinking that this pandemic is over and that they no longer need to worry about these things.” Niagara State Public Health reported 44 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday for 1,256 active cases. Hirji said that as new provincial regulations limit PCR testing, daily case measurements are not considered an accurate assessment of how widespread COVID-19 is. He said he attached more importance to the seven-day average to see the direction of the pandemic. Using this measurement, Niagara had 579 new cases in the last seven days, averaging about 83 new cases a day. In the previous seven days there were 437 new cases, or an average of about 62 new cases per day. Public health reported that 527 Niagara residents with COVID-19 have died since the pandemic began. In terms of hospitalizations, Niagara Health does not add to its report at the weekend. The last report was on Friday, when 39 patients with COVID-19 were admitted, with three in the intensive care unit. Seven of the 39 patients with COVID-19 were treated primarily for other conditions.
