Discussion about mask mandates picks up as fourth wave gets worse
Masks have been a fixture in the lives of Nova Scotians for more than a year.
"I got my mask, I'm gonna continue wearing my mask," said Bill Rennie."As long as I'm out here with nobody around I can take it off but once I'm in a gathering of some sort, it's going back on."
Right now, masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces in Nova Scotia. The province had hoped to drop masking and other public health measures when it moves into Phase five of its reopening plan on Oct. 4.
Across the country, many other jurisdictions are reinstating mask mandates as another layer of protection against the fourth wave.
In a statement Thursday, Marla MacInnis, spokesperson for the health department said in part:
"Our public health team is watching the experiences in other jurisdictions, and our epidemiology, very closely to make an informed recommendation on masking to government before we move into Phase 5. More information will be shared with Nova Scotians next week."
When asked about masking on Thursday, Premier Tim Houston said "that's a full discussion we'll have with Dr. Strang about what he thinks is best. If he suggests that we move to, let's call that a modified Phase 5, where masking remains then he'll have our support on that."
Many people say they won't mind wearing a mask a bit longer if it's needed.
"My wife and I moved up from the states where they aren't taking it as seriously and it's good to be somewhere where they take it more seriously," said Jeffrey Jenkins.
"If it allows us to have other liberties such as moving between provinces, I think it's a small thing. It's a bit annoying but it's good to be able to go visit family and even long-term care facilities," said Claire Gabriot.
Parents of young children say wearing a mask is a small price to pay to keep everyone safe.
"I have a two year old, she's only really been alive for this pandemic and she doesn't know any different and she's not vaccinated and she can't be," said Shaina Suzanski. "So, if I can keep her as safe as possible and other children who also can't be vaccinated, or people who are immune compromised then I will wear this forever."
"I've got two kids at home that aren't vaccinated and I am very happy to do whatever I can to keep them safe," said Justine Barnhart.
Audrey Flanders, the owner of Audrey's Little Shop of Plants, says she doesn't expect an impact on business if the province doe decide to continue with the mask mandate.
"I think wearing a mask keeps us all safe. And we'll be happy to continue with whatever Nova Scotia recommends businesses can do," said Flanders.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.