Blog #13,
Who is that masked man?
Hard to
believe that on April 19th we first started this journey into the
world of blogging. We were in the middle
of Covid and all of its unfolding ramifications: closures of schools,
businesses, churches, and all public gatherings. It was hard to not be a part of my son’s
wedding in May, we will have to catch up on that later. The question is how much later? --- when a
viable vaccine is ready for use, but unfortunately researchers estimate that
could take at least another year or even longer. Thankfully, the municipal governments of
Hamilton and Burlington have mandated masks for all public indoor spaces,
starting July 20th. We have
concluded that the mask, and proper social distancing, are our best defence
against Covid. The College of
Optometrists of Ontariohas required N95 masks for all optometrists since
March. Great defence against an
airborne pathogen.
We treat everyone
who enters our clinic as though they have the virus, even if they pass our rigorous
screening. The mask protects the people around
us, preventing the virus that potentially escapes into the fine water droplets
from our breath to enter the air other people take in. Adopting the mask has had its detractors, because
face it, a mask is not comfortable or convenient (tried taking a sip of your
morning coffee?) but as time has gone on the need for protective barriers has
become clear. It is our best defence.
The latest research from the University of Toronto
, involves testing a surface treatment
for masks which can deactivate 99% of Covid 19 viruses. A biotech firm in Quebec developed it and U of
T confirmed its effectiveness against the virus. A made-in-Canada solution that hopefully can
protect our front line workers and bridge the gap until the magical vaccine
arrives.
Let us not
lose heart, but continue to protect each other as we gradually open up our
businesses and our lives. We have come
so far, and need to keep up the fight.
Thank you
for doing your part and wearing a mask,
Til next week,
The Good Doctor, Dr. Mark Germain, Burlington Optometrist
