The County of Essex required people wear masks in indoor buildings effective Tuesday because of an increase in respiratory diseases. .A press release said medical grade surgical masks will be required in Essex facilities. The release said this mask mandate will apply to all staff and visitors. .The release went on to say surgical masks will be available at building entrances. It added the facilities covered by the policy include the Civic Centre, county road maintenance buildings, Essex County library branches, Essex-Windsor EMS stations, and Sun Parlor Home. .Essex-Windsor paramedics will have to continue to mask during all interactions with patients. .Ontario Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore called for Ontarians to return to masking Monday, but did not go as far as mandating it for the province..READ MORE: Ontario's top doctor recommends masking amid 'triple threat' of COVID, flu and RSV."What we are facing is a triple threat that requires our collective action and action to protect the most vulnerable in our communities," said Moore. .He said the Ontario healthcare system is facing pressure from COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. He recommends mask wearing around old, young, and immunocompromised people. .The Ontario Liberals asked Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Monday to bring back mask mandates in schools and public transit to address overcrowding in hospitals and pediatric ICUs. .READ MORE: Ontario Liberals call for mask requirements in schools, public transit.“Once again, this government is slow to act, recognizing there is a problem only once it has become a crisis,” said Ontario Liberal Interim Leader John Fraser. .“A week ago, this government was advocating for children to be in class, but now they won’t advocate for our children to be safe in those classrooms.”
