Thread by @normsworld

Watching this now. Tune in! Will livetweet here. #topoli #onpoli

https://twitter.com/theagenda/status/1504245880899088391

Tonight’s episode features @picardonhealth, @SabiVM and Dr. Peter Juni of @COVIDSciOntario. @picardonhealth and @SabiVM say it’s too soon to lift mask mandates. Easy to implement, cost effective, prevents future lockdowns. Dr. Juni says we need more data. #topoli #onpoli

Dr. Juni says we’re noticing increases in wastewater and other signals. Notes the lifting of mask mandates was too soon, done in the absence of supporting data. #topoli #onpoli

.@picardonhealth notes that we have other safety measures in society, and masks were a manageable safety measure that worked. It’s easy and effective. #topoli #onpoli

Masks aren’t forever @picardonhealth notes. Let’s keep them up until we’re more on the clear, based on data. @SabiVM notes mask mandates are based on data and not arbitrary, like Ontario’s seem to be. We aren’t testing to be sure of our measures. March break travel is risky.

Vax rates and other factors make it clear removing masking is too soon, @SabiVM notes. @spaikin asks Dr. Juni if he was consulted? Dr. Juni notes he communicated with Dr. Moore, then silence, then masks were lifted. Says he advocated for more time. #topoli #onpoli

Dr. Juni notes Dr. Moore is probably building on success of previous steps, says we don’t have data to move as quickly as we are.

“Who do you advise exactly?” @spaikin asks Dr. Juni. Dr. Juni notes a change in consultation at this point of the pandemic. Clearly not being consulted as much.

.@SabiVM is asked what she forecasts how the lifting of mask mandates is going to work out socially. Says she’s concerned about the immuncompromised; they’re telling her they’re being left behind and hearing flak from those who don’t support masks.

.@picardonhealth hails from BC, where the mask mandate has been lifted. Seeing respect for individuals decisions there. We need to emulate this in Ontario.

.@spaikin notes some school boards have pushed back on lifting of the mask mandates. How do you see this going moving forward? Dr. Juni notes Ontarians have adjusted to the risk profile pretty well so far. Schools should’ve masked for longer Dr. Juni notes.

Dr. Juni adds the right step would’ve been to extend for 2-3 weeks longer, as schools are a higher risk congregate setting. #topoli #onpoli #onted

Is Dr. Moore succumbing to political pressure @spaikin asks Dr. Juni? Dr. Juni notes there’s increasing pressure around the world to lift mask mandates worldwide. Notes this was Dr. Moores decision and he hopes to speak with him about it soon. #topoli #onpoli #onted

.@spaikin asks @picardonhealth whether we took off masks too early and didn’t give local voices enough say? Picard says a provincial approach works, @SabiVM says a more local approach makes more sense. Dr. Juni notes a local approach makes sense. #topoli #onpoli @onted

.@SabiVM notes the mask mandates have been very effective and removing them doesn’t follow the science. Studies from the US show a huge difference in protection from schools that masked. #topoli #onpoli #onted

We must consider the effects of long covid @SabiVM notes. Dr. Juni notes the lifting of masks is too early and is concerned about long covid. #topoli #onpoli #onted

Dr. Juni is concerned that moving too soon could backfire and put us in a new wave. Why lift masking now? #topoli #onpoli #onted

.@picardonhealth notes that life isn’t a trucker convoy. Canadians are exceedingly polite and should respect each other’s decisions on masking.

What can we learn from different regions who have lifted or not lifted mask mandates and got similar results? Dr. Juni notes comparing apples to oranges. Denmark is experiencing a big wave after lifting all safety controls. You’ll need to infect 45%-95% of pop to drop wave.

.@spaikin asks about the lack of testing. Any concerns as we drop masks? @SabiVM says we have to invest in testing as we try to move back to normal. We need signals to avoid future lockdowns. Add masking & testing to avoid lockdowns. #onpoli

.@Picardonhealth worries about the lack of metrics. Arbitrary dates to drop safety precautions are hugely risky. What metrics if any will we use to return these measures? #onpoli

How hard will it be to put masks back on @spaikin asks? Dr. Juni believes Ontarians would be okay with masking to avoid further restrictions. Says testing should be freely available, as well as other surveillance methods.

And that’s the end! Let’s mask a little longer until we ensure we’re safe, based on data.