Thread by @wencyleung

Welp. I have feeling this story isn't gonna win me any friends (sorry everybody, really!), but you might wanna hear out the arguments for a return to masking...

https://twitter.com/globeandmail/status/1542103999876280326

Reason #1: Other countries are experiencing a summer #COVID surge. “I can’t see why we would be immune from the trends that are happening in the U.S. and Europe,” says @KashPrime

Reason #2: I mean, have you tried getting medical care lately? "Putting any additional stress on the system right now, it’s just not sustainable," says @TehseenLadha

Reason #3: Besides COVID, masks can help protect against other illnesses that have suddenly spiked since mask mandates were dropped. "It’s like the unleashing of the hordes," says @ChuckWurster

Reason #4: At a time when public health has gone silent on COVID and everyone else around you stops wearing them, strong recommendations for masks kinda lose power. A rule "is a very different kind of thing than a strong recommendation," says Dr. Michelle Driedger

Reason #5: Yes, vaccines prevent death and severe illness! But vaccines alone can't end this pandemic. “It’s important to realize we need layers of protection – and masks are an essential layer," says @TehseenLadha

Reason #6: Theoretically, masks aren't needed if your likelihood of encountering the virus is low. But now that testing and reporting are spotty, how are people to assess their own risk? "The public has no information about how risky it is," says @ChuckWurster

No one I spoke with for this story suggests we need to wear masks forever. And not even everywhere. Does anyone LIKE this pandemic? No! But sadly, so sadly, #CovidIsNotOver