Saskatchewan’s top doctor reacts to anti-mask protests

Over the past few months, wearing a face mask has been a controversial subject for some.

Across the province, multiple protests have taken place with people coming out against mandatory mask laws.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, said he understands the protesters’ concerns.

“I fully empathize with people who may feel uncomfortable or shy wearing a mask, or may feel they don’t want to be told to put on a mask,” he said.

However, he thinks it isn’t a big deal to cover your face.

“It’s a simple thing to do. You put it on when you’re indoors in a public place. Afterwards, you take it off. It’s a simple act. Our health-care providers (and) people who work in grocery stores have been doing this without complaining for the last seven months,” he said.

There are currently no plans for a mandatory mask law in Saskatchewan, but Shahab is recommending that people cover their faces as much as possible as the weather gets cooler and people spend more time inside.

“If you use a mask consistently in an indoor public place, you can significantly reduce transmission without having to go into mini-lockdowns,” he said.

“If the choice is between keeping schools open and keeping businesses open while doing the simple act of putting a mask on … compared to having an increase in transmission that could result in school closures or lockdowns, I would definitely recommend the simple act that keeps everyone safe.”