A group of doctors is advocating for the use of masks by children to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
An open letter from almost 20 pediatricians and other doctors is being circulated urging steps to protect children as cases and hospitalizations remain high.
The group is strongly recommending returning to continuous mask use indoors for the rest of the Academic school year so students and staff can remain healthy and attend.
The letter states that cases and hospitalizations remain high even with the lifting of COVID 19 restrictions.
The group also says masking and vaccination are well proven to be effective in decreasing transmission and the severity of infections.
It also states that due to the fact the preschool population is not currently eligible for vaccination, it is recommended a return to continuous mask use indoors for childcare staff as well.
“We do not believe we are out of the woods yet with the COVID 19 pandemic. This will allow more time to improve vaccination rates in the 5 to 11 age group, better understand repeat infection timelines and stabilize the healthcare and education workplace attendance,” the letter says.
Mask mandates were removed on March 14th, but the group says this is in sharp contrast to measures taken by the rest of the Atlantic provinces, who have all made the decision to continue to require masks in schools to protect vulnerable populations.
“Reinstating mask mandates in school and childcare settings is not only the most responsible course of action, it is also consistent with measures in the other three Atlantic provinces,” the letter states.
(Photo: Facebook)
Meantime, the New Brunswick Medical Society is also pushing for a reinstatement of mask mandates in schools and child care settings.
President Dr. Mark MacMillan agrees that New Brunswick needs to align with the rest of Atlantic Canada in enhancing protection.
He adds that the province also needs to ensure there is an adequate supply of rapid tests available for anyone with symptoms or who has been recently exposed.
He says it’s important to stay home and limit contacts if you are potentially positive for COVID-19.
