Researcher and epidemiologist Nima Machouf implored the government on Thursday to make it mandatory to wear a mask to stem the COVID-19 epidemic.
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“80% of the population must wear a mask to curb the epidemic,” said Machouf during a press briefing in front of the CHUM research center in Montreal.
“We are calling on the government to make it mandatory to wear a mask,” she concluded, adding that this measure is essential in public places.
“It is an inexpensive, risk-free measure that can greatly reduce the risk of contamination during contagious contact. While waiting for the development of a vaccine, the mask is recognized as an essential tool for finding the little normalcy in our lives and reconnecting with the people and activities we love, “said the epidemiologist and politician.
Several experts, including microbiologist and infectiologist Amir Khadir, have joined their voices to send this cry of the heart, evidence and statistics in support.
“The second wave can be avoided or attenuated by wearing a mask, and that’s science saying, the scientific evidence is undeniable,” says Khadir.
Touching a doctor’s plea
Marie-Michelle Bellon, internist at the COVID unit at Notre-Dame Hospital, expressed concern over the trivialization of the epidemic.
Despite a decrease in the number of cases, the latter, who worked on an occasional basis at the “COVID unit” of Notre-Dame hospital, “still sees far too much suffering” in the course of her duties.
“We have the impression that since the deconfinement began, there has been in the population a trivialization of the situation as if the threat had faded. (…) I have seen elderly people who waste away because they cannot receive visits from their loved ones, ”said the woman.
-With Clara Loiseau
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