While many rejoice in the imminent end of wearing a mask, others are worried about being less protected against COVID-19, but experts are however reassuring about the easing of measures.
Removing the mask means regained freedom for citizens. Some of them prefer to keep the mask, regardless of the recommendations of Public Health. “It secures the mask for us,” replied a man.
“For a large part of the population, it will be good. […] There are people who are more anxious, people who are more stressed,” added psychologist Paul Langevin.
For the professor of virology at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Lionel Berthoux, the decision of Quebec is quite logical.
“As much as it is important to adopt measures quickly and based on scientific evidence when cases increase in an epidemic, it is also important to abandon them,” he said, when the number of cases experiences a significant increase. decrease.
The mask also remains compulsory in public transport, hospitals and residences for the elderly. A measure that could even return to the daily lives of citizens if there was an upsurge in cases, recalled the president of the Association of General Practitioners of the Mauricie, Dr. Pierre Martin.
With the removal of face coverings, the risk of transmission will still be present in public places. The situation has changed, however, experts have warned, as the fifth wave of COVID-19 is well and truly coming to an end.
“For several weeks, there has been a drop in cases and hospitalizations in the region. A decrease also in outbreaks. So the situation is very favorable at the moment, ”assured the director of regional public health, Dr. Marie-Josée Godi.
“Even if we lifted all the measures today, we would not have a rise in the virus. The wave is descending whatever we do, but what will change is the speed at which it descends, ”added Mr. Berthoux.
Within six weeks, people will have free choice. The most important thing will be to respect everyone’s decision, according to Mr. Langevin. “People who feel comfortable wearing the mask for whatever reason have to have the right to do so without being harassed or harassed by people. So we respect both sides.”
“Anyway, wearing a mask will come back during the annual pandemic period, if only for influenza,” warned Dr. Martin.
The mask is a barrier that has prevented many hospitalizations over the past two years. Those who feel less safe still have the option of wearing a mask when going out.
Mask or not, the watchword remains vigilance at all times. Obviously, Public Health, like the population, will have to learn to live with the virus.
Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com