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Serious [COVID-19 Virus] PAP response to 2019 nCov Situation
- Thread starter JohnTan
- Start date
TORONTO -- Some Canadians concerned about coronavirus in the wake of one confirmed and another presumptive case in Canada have been strapping on surgical masks to go outside. But can these face masks actually guard against the virus?
According to doctors, the answer for the average person is largely no -- but context and setting need to be taken into account.
WHEN SHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK?
“I think the important part here is trying to use them in the right context,” Dr. Susy Hota told CTV News on Friday.
Surgical masks are a common -- and necessary -- sight in a hospital setting, she said, where patients, family members, doctors and nurses are in a closed environment with numerous individuals impacted by various illnesses.
But that’s very different from wearing a surgical mask while walking down the street.
“At this time there’s absolutely no reason for people to be walking around wearing masks in public,” Hota said, adding that the only reason to do so would be on the advice of a health-care professional for a reason unrelated to coronavirus.
In a press conference Monday updating the public on the new presumptive case of coronavirus in Ontario, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said his office has “never recommended the wearing of masks in public.”
IS ONE TYPE OF MASK MORE USEFUL THAN ANOTHER?
Surgical face masks have been flying off the shelves in several cities around Canada ever since coronavirus reports started ramping up.
The most common face masks are loose surgical masks with elastic loops that go around the ears. The masks cover the mouth without creating a seal around it. One side is generally coloured blue, and is meant to face outwards. The top of the mask has a metal strip to mold to the bridge of the nose.
These masks do little for a healthy person, doctors say, but they could be useful for someone who is sick and trying not to spread the illness.
"If you're someone who's actually sick, you might have a cold or flu and you want to protect others, that type of mask will protect droplets from going out into the air (when you cough or sneeze),” Gianni Del Negro, a pharmacy manager with London Drugs in Vancouver, told CTV Vancouver.
These surgical masks will not protect you from the new coronavirus, he said.
The N95 respirator mask, which is made of a thicker material and designed to fit more closely to the face, may be more effective at blocking viruses in general, he added, but it needs to be fit tested, worn properly and replaced frequently -- making them inefficient for regular use by the public.
However, there’s no evidence that those masks would work against the new coronavirus either.
WHY ARE FACE MASKS INEFFECTIVE?
Many people don’t follow proper health etiquette while wearing a facial mask, Williams said, which essentially negates any benefits a mask could’ve had.
“I see people wearing the mask, and then they’re handling stuff and they put their hand in the mask and touch their mouth,” Williams said. “The mask may not be cleaned on a regular basis so you actually may be re-circulating stuff.”
He acknowledged that the masks “may give that person some solace,” but stressed that there is no medical need for a healthy person to wear a surgical mask in public in Ontario.
It’s believed that the coronavirus is spread the way many respiratory illnesses are: by droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. This means it’s more likely for a person to become infected if they have close, continuous contact with someone who is already infected, as opposed to passing a sick person on the street.
Dr. Sohail Ghandi, president of the Ontario Medical Association, told the Canadian Press that “handwashing is more effective than face masks with this particular virus, particularly if you’re not infected.”
Hota echoed these concerns, telling CTV News on Monday that since a virus can easily be spread by touching a surface a sick person has coughed on and then touching your own face, it’s significantly more important to wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
According to Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto, the best thing people can do if they are feeling ill is simply to stay home, and to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
If a sick person needs to travel on public transit, observing sneezing and coughing etiquette by coughing into an elbow and turning away from other passengers is important.
Officials have stressed numerous times that the risk to Canadians is low.
Williams reiterated in Monday’s press conference that the newest presumptive case in Canada is unsurprising as she is the wife of the man who was the first confirmed case in Canada, and both of them recently returned to Toronto from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the heart of the outbreak. The biggest risk factor for this disease is having travelled to the affected areas in China.
Hota’s advice to the public is to avoid the kind of panic that drives people to buy 40 surgical masks at their local drug store.
“Panic is never helpful in a situation like this,” she said. “These are two cases. We’re watching things closely, and we’re doing what we needed to do to try and contain things over here. And that’s what our jobs are.”
According to doctors, the answer for the average person is largely no -- but context and setting need to be taken into account.
WHEN SHOULD YOU WEAR A MASK?
“I think the important part here is trying to use them in the right context,” Dr. Susy Hota told CTV News on Friday.
Surgical masks are a common -- and necessary -- sight in a hospital setting, she said, where patients, family members, doctors and nurses are in a closed environment with numerous individuals impacted by various illnesses.
But that’s very different from wearing a surgical mask while walking down the street.
“At this time there’s absolutely no reason for people to be walking around wearing masks in public,” Hota said, adding that the only reason to do so would be on the advice of a health-care professional for a reason unrelated to coronavirus.
In a press conference Monday updating the public on the new presumptive case of coronavirus in Ontario, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said his office has “never recommended the wearing of masks in public.”
IS ONE TYPE OF MASK MORE USEFUL THAN ANOTHER?
Surgical face masks have been flying off the shelves in several cities around Canada ever since coronavirus reports started ramping up.
The most common face masks are loose surgical masks with elastic loops that go around the ears. The masks cover the mouth without creating a seal around it. One side is generally coloured blue, and is meant to face outwards. The top of the mask has a metal strip to mold to the bridge of the nose.
These masks do little for a healthy person, doctors say, but they could be useful for someone who is sick and trying not to spread the illness.
"If you're someone who's actually sick, you might have a cold or flu and you want to protect others, that type of mask will protect droplets from going out into the air (when you cough or sneeze),” Gianni Del Negro, a pharmacy manager with London Drugs in Vancouver, told CTV Vancouver.
These surgical masks will not protect you from the new coronavirus, he said.
The N95 respirator mask, which is made of a thicker material and designed to fit more closely to the face, may be more effective at blocking viruses in general, he added, but it needs to be fit tested, worn properly and replaced frequently -- making them inefficient for regular use by the public.
However, there’s no evidence that those masks would work against the new coronavirus either.
WHY ARE FACE MASKS INEFFECTIVE?
Many people don’t follow proper health etiquette while wearing a facial mask, Williams said, which essentially negates any benefits a mask could’ve had.
“I see people wearing the mask, and then they’re handling stuff and they put their hand in the mask and touch their mouth,” Williams said. “The mask may not be cleaned on a regular basis so you actually may be re-circulating stuff.”
He acknowledged that the masks “may give that person some solace,” but stressed that there is no medical need for a healthy person to wear a surgical mask in public in Ontario.
It’s believed that the coronavirus is spread the way many respiratory illnesses are: by droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. This means it’s more likely for a person to become infected if they have close, continuous contact with someone who is already infected, as opposed to passing a sick person on the street.
Dr. Sohail Ghandi, president of the Ontario Medical Association, told the Canadian Press that “handwashing is more effective than face masks with this particular virus, particularly if you’re not infected.”
Hota echoed these concerns, telling CTV News on Monday that since a virus can easily be spread by touching a surface a sick person has coughed on and then touching your own face, it’s significantly more important to wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
According to Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto, the best thing people can do if they are feeling ill is simply to stay home, and to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
If a sick person needs to travel on public transit, observing sneezing and coughing etiquette by coughing into an elbow and turning away from other passengers is important.
Officials have stressed numerous times that the risk to Canadians is low.
Williams reiterated in Monday’s press conference that the newest presumptive case in Canada is unsurprising as she is the wife of the man who was the first confirmed case in Canada, and both of them recently returned to Toronto from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the heart of the outbreak. The biggest risk factor for this disease is having travelled to the affected areas in China.
Hota’s advice to the public is to avoid the kind of panic that drives people to buy 40 surgical masks at their local drug store.
“Panic is never helpful in a situation like this,” she said. “These are two cases. We’re watching things closely, and we’re doing what we needed to do to try and contain things over here. And that’s what our jobs are.”
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TORONTO -- Some Canadians concerned about coronavirus in the wake of one confirmed and another presumptive case in Canada have been strapping on surgical masks to go outside. But can these face masks actually guard against the virus?
According to doctors, the answer for the average person is largely no -- but context and setting need to be taken into account.
Related Stories
“I think the important part here is trying to use them in the right context,” Dr. Susy Hota told CTV News on Friday.
Surgical masks are a common -- and necessary -- sight in a hospital setting, she said, where patients, family members, doctors and nurses are in a closed environment with numerous individuals impacted by various illnesses.
But that’s very different from wearing a surgical mask while walking down the street.
“At this time there’s absolutely no reason for people to be walking around wearing masks in public,” Hota said, adding that the only reason to do so would be on the advice of a health-care professional for a reason unrelated to coronavirus.
In a press conference Monday updating the public on the new presumptive case of coronavirus in Ontario, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said his office has “never recommended the wearing of masks in public.”
IS ONE TYPE OF MASK MORE USEFUL THAN ANOTHER?
Surgical face masks have been flying off the shelves in several cities around Canada ever since coronavirus reports started ramping up.
The most common face masks are loose surgical masks with elastic loops that go around the ears. The masks cover the mouth without creating a seal around it. One side is generally coloured blue, and is meant to face outwards. The top of the mask has a metal strip to mold to the bridge of the nose.
These masks do little for a healthy person, doctors say, but they could be useful for someone who is sick and trying not to spread the illness.
"If you're someone who's actually sick, you might have a cold or flu and you want to protect others, that type of mask will protect droplets from going out into the air (when you cough or sneeze),” Gianni Del Negro, a pharmacy manager with London Drugs in Vancouver, told CTV Vancouver.
These surgical masks will not protect you from the new coronavirus, he said.
The N95 respirator mask, which is made of a thicker material and designed to fit more closely to the face, may be more effective at blocking viruses in general, he added, but it needs to be fit tested, worn properly and replaced frequently -- making them inefficient for regular use by the public.
However, there’s no evidence that those masks would work against the new coronavirus either.
WHY ARE FACE MASKS INEFFECTIVE?
Many people don’t follow proper health etiquette while wearing a facial mask, Williams said, which essentially negates any benefits a mask could’ve had.
“I see people wearing the mask, and then they’re handling stuff and they put their hand in the mask and touch their mouth,” Williams said. “The mask may not be cleaned on a regular basis so you actually may be re-circulating stuff.”
He acknowledged that the masks “may give that person some solace,” but stressed that there is no medical need for a healthy person to wear a surgical mask in public in Ontario.
It’s believed that the coronavirus is spread the way many respiratory illnesses are: by droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. This means it’s more likely for a person to become infected if they have close, continuous contact with someone who is already infected, as opposed to passing a sick person on the street.
Dr. Sohail Ghandi, president of the Ontario Medical Association, told the Canadian Press that “handwashing is more effective than face masks with this particular virus, particularly if you’re not infected.”
Hota echoed these concerns, telling CTV News on Monday that since a virus can easily be spread by touching a surface a sick person has coughed on and then touching your own face, it’s significantly more important to wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
According to Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto, the best thing people can do if they are feeling ill is simply to stay home, and to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
If a sick person needs to travel on public transit, observing sneezing and coughing etiquette by coughing into an elbow and turning away from other passengers is important.
Officials have stressed numerous times that the risk to Canadians is low.
Williams reiterated in Monday’s press conference that the newest presumptive case in Canada is unsurprising as she is the wife of the man who was the first confirmed case in Canada, and both of them recently returned to Toronto from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the heart of the outbreak. The biggest risk factor for this disease is having travelled to the affected areas in China.
Hota’s advice to the public is to avoid the kind of panic that drives people to buy 40 surgical masks at their local drug store.
“Panic is never helpful in a situation like this,” she said. “These are two cases. We’re watching things closely, and we’re doing what we needed to do to try and contain things over here. And that’s what our jobs are.”
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According to doctors, the answer for the average person is largely no -- but context and setting need to be taken into account.
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- Arizona, California cases push U.S. tally of new virus to 5
“I think the important part here is trying to use them in the right context,” Dr. Susy Hota told CTV News on Friday.
Surgical masks are a common -- and necessary -- sight in a hospital setting, she said, where patients, family members, doctors and nurses are in a closed environment with numerous individuals impacted by various illnesses.
But that’s very different from wearing a surgical mask while walking down the street.
“At this time there’s absolutely no reason for people to be walking around wearing masks in public,” Hota said, adding that the only reason to do so would be on the advice of a health-care professional for a reason unrelated to coronavirus.
In a press conference Monday updating the public on the new presumptive case of coronavirus in Ontario, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said his office has “never recommended the wearing of masks in public.”
IS ONE TYPE OF MASK MORE USEFUL THAN ANOTHER?
Surgical face masks have been flying off the shelves in several cities around Canada ever since coronavirus reports started ramping up.
The most common face masks are loose surgical masks with elastic loops that go around the ears. The masks cover the mouth without creating a seal around it. One side is generally coloured blue, and is meant to face outwards. The top of the mask has a metal strip to mold to the bridge of the nose.
These masks do little for a healthy person, doctors say, but they could be useful for someone who is sick and trying not to spread the illness.
"If you're someone who's actually sick, you might have a cold or flu and you want to protect others, that type of mask will protect droplets from going out into the air (when you cough or sneeze),” Gianni Del Negro, a pharmacy manager with London Drugs in Vancouver, told CTV Vancouver.
These surgical masks will not protect you from the new coronavirus, he said.
The N95 respirator mask, which is made of a thicker material and designed to fit more closely to the face, may be more effective at blocking viruses in general, he added, but it needs to be fit tested, worn properly and replaced frequently -- making them inefficient for regular use by the public.
However, there’s no evidence that those masks would work against the new coronavirus either.
WHY ARE FACE MASKS INEFFECTIVE?
Many people don’t follow proper health etiquette while wearing a facial mask, Williams said, which essentially negates any benefits a mask could’ve had.
“I see people wearing the mask, and then they’re handling stuff and they put their hand in the mask and touch their mouth,” Williams said. “The mask may not be cleaned on a regular basis so you actually may be re-circulating stuff.”
He acknowledged that the masks “may give that person some solace,” but stressed that there is no medical need for a healthy person to wear a surgical mask in public in Ontario.
It’s believed that the coronavirus is spread the way many respiratory illnesses are: by droplets when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. This means it’s more likely for a person to become infected if they have close, continuous contact with someone who is already infected, as opposed to passing a sick person on the street.
Dr. Sohail Ghandi, president of the Ontario Medical Association, told the Canadian Press that “handwashing is more effective than face masks with this particular virus, particularly if you’re not infected.”
Hota echoed these concerns, telling CTV News on Monday that since a virus can easily be spread by touching a surface a sick person has coughed on and then touching your own face, it’s significantly more important to wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
According to Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto, the best thing people can do if they are feeling ill is simply to stay home, and to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
If a sick person needs to travel on public transit, observing sneezing and coughing etiquette by coughing into an elbow and turning away from other passengers is important.
Officials have stressed numerous times that the risk to Canadians is low.
Williams reiterated in Monday’s press conference that the newest presumptive case in Canada is unsurprising as she is the wife of the man who was the first confirmed case in Canada, and both of them recently returned to Toronto from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the heart of the outbreak. The biggest risk factor for this disease is having travelled to the affected areas in China.
Hota’s advice to the public is to avoid the kind of panic that drives people to buy 40 surgical masks at their local drug store.
“Panic is never helpful in a situation like this,” she said. “These are two cases. We’re watching things closely, and we’re doing what we needed to do to try and contain things over here. And that’s what our jobs are.”
Basically it means my multimillionaire ministers allow sinkies to spread good news about them days before they announce anything but require "officials should have the discipline and maturity not to share information prematurely" when the news is bad. Quickly spread my multimillionaire ministers giving away money again for the upcoming budget. Long live PAP, huat ahhhhhh
I am waiting for other countries to impose travel ban on sinkies
I didn't want to wear a mask and gloves as I am healthy but was advised to do so by the scapegoat
NEA officers. To protect myself (Cheng Li Hui) from other residents and volunteers who maybe
asymptomatic, that's why I wore a mask and gloves.
NEA officers. To protect myself (Cheng Li Hui) from other residents and volunteers who maybe
asymptomatic, that's why I wore a mask and gloves.
That's the problem: those infected with the coronavirus might not be feeling sick, they appear perfectly normal showing no symptoms, carrying on with their lives... and inadvertently infecting other people. Up to 14 days without symptoms.
The advice given: 'wear a mask only if you are sick' erroneously equates the coronavirus with the common cold or flu, is highly ignorant and irresponsible. Again, zero accountability from Lee Hsien Loong and the nincompoops over at gov dot sg.
The advice given: 'wear a mask only if you are sick' erroneously equates the coronavirus with the common cold or flu, is highly ignorant and irresponsible. Again, zero accountability from Lee Hsien Loong and the nincompoops over at gov dot sg.
See? In Canada all the advice and statements are from expert doctors. Not politicians. Not ministers.
Sounds and looks better lah. People will feel more assured too.
If it was Justin Trudeau making these statements some Trudeau haters will want to spread fake news or say contrary to spite him.
These drs. You never heard of them. They come out to speak cos there is a situation. Not some attention seeking whore minister or leader that haters will distrust!
PAP wants to silence whistle blower.
Valu$ and ABC shops sell wet tissue wipes, hand sanitiser and rubbing alcohol very cheap and always have stock.
what's the point of kee chiu's complaint? the draft and official release happened merely a few hours apart.
Kee Chiu is an attention seeking whore lah.
What about PAP getting excited over Aljunied GRC judgement prematurely and instructed all officials and newspapers to publish the matter in full pages daily?
Dead people can blame? Thanks the idiots now terminals are empty. You can open borders. People with brains wont come
Is 30k dead sinkies going tp change GE? I dont think so
KNN ccs can say we will make sure our processes are strengthened then later say officials should not spread premature info KNN if can spread means is not strengthened le KNN
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