B.C.’s top doctor is calling on people to more tolerant towards others if they see them without masks.
Dr. Bonnie Henry says its because there are many people who are unable to wear a mask because of psychological, behavioural, physical, cognitive, or mental impairment that may not be visible immediately.
“People who are unable to wear a mask must be accommodated and that may mean providing curbside or online services, or arranging for people who cannot wear a mask to come at a time when appropriate distances can be maintained or when barriers can be in place,” she said.
“And for those of you who are in that position of not being able to wear a mask, you need to as well be aware that this is an important measure and look to alternative to receive those services that you need. These are the things that we all need to do to get though this part together.”
British Columbians who refuse to wear mask as required by new regulations could be fined $230. Henry says the order is meant to target people who are intentionally flouting the rules and putting others at risk.
“I have no time for people who are belligerent and are trying to make some kind of a statement about anti-vax, and think that this is not a truly challenging pandemic and I have no time for people who believe that wearing a mask somehow makes them ill or is a sign of lack of freedom,” she said.
“For me it is about respect for our fellow people who are suffering through this.”
Henry made these comments while announcing 738 new cases of COVID-19 and a record 13 deaths in a 24 hour period, with 70 new cases across the Interior Health Authority.
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