The official messaging on the usefulness of masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19 has evolved over time. It has left the public a bit confused and definitely split on whether wearing a mask is a good idea or not.
A month and a half ago, BC's Provincial Medical Health Officer was discouraging people from seeking masks as a defence against the coronavirus.
"People often fiddle with it and contaminate themselves," said Dr. Bonnie Henry on March 20th, "and it can lead to more risk."
On April 1, Henry said "What is not proven is that they provide you with any protection. That's the critical point."
By the 11th of April, the messaging started to sound more favourable with Henry saying "It is another tool that you can use." But she stopped short of a positive recommendation, describing masks as "a matter of personal choice."
Meanwhile, in some other countries, the masks have been widely accepted and in some places they are mandatory.
Outside a Kelowna Grocery store, people have a wide range of opinions. "I think everyone should be wearing them," said one elderly gentleman. "I hope that younger appreciate why we're doing this and we hope that they will respect our health," said his wife.
Others are feeling quite safe if they just maintain physical distancing.
"I don't disagree with people that do do it," said a woman about the masks after shopping with her teenage daughter," but I'm not feeling the need to do it."
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