Why this Calgary doctor hopes people consider continuing to wear masks after mandates are lifted
Alberta is just weeks away from ending its indoor mandatory mask rule, but one Calgary doctor is hoping people consider wearing one, even after all pandemic rules are lifted.
Dr. Eddy Lang is an emergency doctor and is the co-author of a study that looked into hospitalizations unrelated to COVID-19 during the first months of the pandemic compared to the previous year.
It found the public health measures meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 also worked in reducing the amount of Albertans needing to be rushed to hospital.
"What we saw was a 30 per cent reduction in hospitalizations for chronic lung disease due to smoking, called COPD, as well as pneumonia, which are also common, which were not related to COVID," said Dr. Lang, who is also with the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine.
The study looked at admissions between March and September of 2020 and found fewer people were needing to be hospitalized with complications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.
There were about 2,500 fewer hospital admissions related to COPD in Alberta in the first six months of the pandemic, the study found.
"The respiratory health of Alberta has improved in the last 15 months and it's really up to every individual if they want that to continue," Dr. Lang said.
MASK MANDATE
Alberta will lift its mask mandate, along with all other public health measures, in Stage 3 of the reopening plan. If vaccination rates continue at the current pace, that will take place in the first week of July.
But Tyler Shandro, Alberta's Health Minister, said there could still be recommendations for when masks should be worn in certain settings and situations. Private businesses could still require masks to be worn, too.
Calgary council will look at lifting its mandatory mask bylaw on Monday.
"I'm speculating, but I would find it hard to imagine that we would not repeal the face coverings bylaw by the end of July at the latest," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi, though he added the city may lift its mask rules based on the percentage of Calgarians who received a second dose of the vaccine.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.