Some Montreal doctors urging Quebec to re-think its back-to-school plan and include mask mandate
Some Montreal doctors are urging the province to re-consider its back-to-school plan, saying masks should be part school uniforms again this fall.
With about a month until classes begin again, some of these doctors say it shouldn't be back to normal.
"If you accept that Delta is more infectious, then the next logical step is to say if anything we will need to have enhanced precautions," said infectious disease specialist Dr. Matthew Oughton. "That would require measures like masks, like distancing."
Quebec's plan was announced in June, and includes no restrictions aside from students being encouraged to continue washing their hands more often.
"We are pretty confident the plan will stand," said Education Minister Jean-Francois Roberge on June 2. "If we thought the plan wouldn't stand we would have to change a lot of things. We wouldn't present that plan."
The minister's confidence comes with a huge caveat.
Roberge said the plan depends on having 75 per cent of Quebec's students fully vaccinated.
As of Tuesday, 73 per cent of 12-17-year-olds in the province have gotten their first dose, but only a quarter have had both.
There is currently no vaccine approved for those under 12.
Montreal public health also released data on Tuesday showing some 30,000 high schoolers have yet to get their first shot.
"We're 4 weeks from the beginning of school we have a window of opportunity to get people vaccinated, and to allow us to start the school year in a more normal fashion but it's not guaranteed that that will be the case," said David Kaiser, a physician with Montreal public health.
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended Americans who are fully vaccinated continue wearing masks indoors because of the rise of variants and high infection rates in some states. That recommendation includes school children.
There are close to 250 confirmed Delta variant cases in Quebec, which is low compared to some provinces. However, it's important to note that turnaround time for genome sequencing can take anywhere between seven to 14 days for the results to be published on government sites and reports.
Low Delta numbers in Quebec in recent weeks could make a mask mandate a hard sell.
"The natural reaction is to say 'why are you doing this now? There is no problem,' but the whole goal is to avoid there being a problem," said Oughton.
The education ministry plans to update the back-to-school plan in early August.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.