Province’s masking mandate doesn’t go far enough

By Letter to the Editor on December 3, 2020.

I, along with many Albertans, watched with interest and concern the new COVID restrictions as outlined by our premier and Minister Shandro on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
The measures outlined were absolutely necessary and at least the premier appeared to actually understand the gravity of the situation.
Many measures now mandated were long overdue but when the question of mask wearing was presented his proposal was underwhelming to put it mildly.
Perhaps he was appealing to those libertarians amongst us who feel that their personal rights are being compromised, thus infringing on their constitutional well-being. This despite the evidence worldwide being to the contrary.
That he has chosen to only mandate masks in high-risk zones (“enhanced”) makes absolutely no sense. Compartmentalizing such requirements is bound to fail, making more likely that come mid-December, he will be forced to exercise even more serious procedures.
Our contact tracing is inadequate and it is highly doubtful that one can point to a single source being the major reason for our exponential rise in cases. And yet, the government has decided to identify zones within the province of Alberta where mask wearing is not mandated, based on a perception of there being less risk in these areas.
Despite the most populated areas being “enhanced,” fact is, all of Alberta should be subject to this simple, small inconvenience for the benefit of the entire population.
John P. Nightingale
Lethbridge