British Columbia recently reimposed mask mandates on those working in health authority-operated facilities, and while most have complied, some have taken a stand against the policy.Among those who have fallen into the latter camp is Lindsey, a long-term care facility nurse who just recently began working again after losing her job due to the government's COVID-19-era vaccine mandate. .In a series of posts on X, Lindsey explained that after refusing to don a mask in accordance with the guidelines, she was informed that unless she complied, she would lose her full-time position, be designated a "casual" employee, and be barred from picking up shifts..In an interview with the Western Standard, Lindsey noted that her employer was "supporting" her decision and wants her back as a full-time employee "as soon as the mask requirement is dropped," but that until then, "their hands are tied.""Firstly, I want to clarify that I am not anti-mask," she said. "I believe that there are appropriate times and circumstances for masking. For instance, during outbreaks, when infectious residents are present, it is crucial to use personal protective equipment correctly. The same applies to surgical procedures, where masks help protect patients from droplets and shield healthcare providers from potential exposure to bodily fluids."As of now, masks must be worn by "health care workers, visitors, contractors and volunteers in patient care areas in health authority–operated facilities, programs and services."Lindsey went on to say that she "personally disagree[s] with requiring healthy individuals without symptoms to wear masks for 12-hour shifts," arguing that "numerous studies indicate that wearing masks for extended periods can be detrimental to health.""Inhaling our own germs and rebreathing carbon dioxide is not advisable," she added. "As someone with asthma, I find it extremely difficult to breathe while wearing a mask for such long durations."Lindsey also pointed out that "many residents have dementia and often become scared or confused when they see staff wearing masks," and that, "this confusion can escalate their behaviours.""A gentle smile and a caring face can significantly help to de-escalate and calm individuals with dementia," she said. "It feels inhumane for these vulnerable elderly residents to be confronted with masked faces, especially in what is supposed to be their home environment."The government has permitted the removal of masks while "communicating with someone with a hearing impairment," something Lindsey said made sense."Many residents in LTC are hearing impaired and struggle to understand speech when it is muffled by masks," she said. "They can no longer read lips or interpret facial expressions, leading to extreme frustration for both them and the healthcare workers trying to communicate with them."Lindsey drew attention to the type of mask being mandated, surgical, noting that they "do not effectively prevent the transmission of airborne viruses" and are "primarily designed for droplet precautions." She said N95 masks would at least provide "better protection.""Ultimately, I believe that the most effective strategy to reduce the spread of infections in these facilities is for individuals to stay home when they are sick," she told the Western Standard. "While I appreciate the rationale behind mask-wearing in certain situations, the blanket mandates present significant challenges that deserve consideration. I am passionate about caring for my residents, and I feel compelled to take a stand when I believe these mandates may not be in their best interests or those of my fellow healthcare workers."
