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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.