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Is it time for masks to be mandated in Brandon?

Is it time for masks to be mandated in Brandon?

Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

BU and ACC
8/13/2020 at 9:36 AM

Sun story on BU making masks mandatory and ACC being a "mask expected" environment:
https://www.brandonsun.com/local/masks-required-at-bu-expected-at-acc-572094942.html

I know we have some folks that also read Star FM/Q Country. Important to note that those stations have it wrong in the headline they've been sharing on this for the past almost day in saying that masks are mandatory at both. Masks are required at BU except staff working alone in offices. Mask wearing is expected and supported with education and communication at ACC... but ACC will not be denying entry to those not wearing a mask, i.e. not as far as mandatory at ACC.
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

mask donation
8/13/2020 at 10:34 AM

Maple Leaf has apparently offered masks for every person in Brandon to Mayor Chrest.

"With no evidence of transmission within the facility, Riley said it's important to take measures to prevent transmission in the community at large. To that end, she said Maple Leaf president and CEO Michael McCain sent a letter to Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest, with a pair of suggestions.

First, McCain urged Chrest to mandate the wearing of masks in public places where social distancing is not always possible, such as grocery stores, libraries and other retail outlets.

Second, the company has offered to donate and distribute masks throughout the community. Riley said the exact number hasn't been confirmed, but it would be "more than enough for all the residents of Brandon," a city of roughly 49,000.

A spokesperson for Chrest's office said the mayor has received the letter from McCain, and will respond as soon as possible."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ndp-covid-19-test-maple-leaf-1.5683284
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Masks
8/13/2020 at 1:39 PM

At today's provincial briefing. Dr. Roussin went as far as saying that:

"If you are unable to physically distance outside of your home, you should be wearing a mask."

He still stressed that masks are not the only tool, not the most important tool and that it's important to stay focused on the fundamentals they have been re-iterating throughout this.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Masks
8/14/2020 at 3:47 AM

Abbysmum said "Maple Leaf has apparently offered masks for every person in Brandon to Mayor Chrest.

"With no evidence of transmission within the facility, Riley said it's important to take measures to prevent transmission in the community at large. To that end, she said Maple Leaf president and CEO Michael McCain sent a letter to Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest, with a pair of suggestions.

First, McCain urged Chrest to mandate the wearing of masks in public places where social distancing is not always possible, such as grocery stores, libraries and other retail outlets.

Second, the company has offered to donate and distribute masks throughout the community. Riley said the exact number hasn't been confirmed, but it would be "more than enough for all the residents of Brandon," a city of roughly 49,000.

A spokesperson for Chrest's office said the mayor has received the letter from McCain, and will respond as soon as possible."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ndp-covid-19-test-maple-leaf-1.5683284 "
Sounds like 500,000 are on the way!
And Maple Leaf Foods says it is delivering 500,000 three-ply disposal masks to Brandon. That’s more than 10 masks for every person in the city.

The public will be able to pick them up at likely two public locations on Saturday, the company says. #cbcmb #bdnmb
&mdash: Ian Froese (@ianfroese) August 13, 2020
tlr
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 633

tlr
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 633

I think
8/14/2020 at 8:27 AM

that is excellent. Getting some of us to mask up, will be a different story.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Masks
8/14/2020 at 9:17 AM

More from the Sun on the Maple Leaf masks:
https://www.brandonsun.com/local/city-partnering-with-maple-leaf-to-distribute-masks-572107172.html
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Westoba
8/14/2020 at 10:29 AM

The latest to make masks mandatory.... pasting press release below

* * * * * * * * * *

Westoba Takes Proactive Approach to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

BRANDON, MB 08.14.20 – With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Manitoba, Westoba is taking a proactive approach to protect staff and members. Starting Monday, August 17, masks will be mandatory for employees and members/visitors in all Westoba branches and corporate office.

“Our staff have been putting in extra effort to keep our branches safe. “said Jim Rediger, Westoba President and CEO. “As a community leader, we feel Westoba should be setting an example for others and take the next step in our efforts to minimize COVID-19 transmission in our communities.”

All visitors and staff will be asked to wear a mask while they are inside the branch or corporate office. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up at the entrance of location with disposable masks available to those that don’t have their own. Westoba encourages members to think digital-first when it comes to their banking, and to use the WestobaGO Mobile App, online banking, or to call Virtual Services at 1-877-WESTOBA.

Rediger thanks Westoba staff and members for doing their utmost to keep everyone safe and healthy and added that this precautionary step will be reviewed regularly by the Westoba Incident Response Team (IRT) as they monitor the cases and Manitoba Health developments around COVID-19.

* * * * * * * *
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Discovery Centre
8/16/2020 at 9:36 AM

Add the Riverbank Discovery Centre (the building) requiring masks indoors. No such requirement on the grounds outdoors but worth keeping in mind to plan ahead if you think you might have to say use the washroom while there.
Triplethreat
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 960

Triplethreat
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 960

No
8/16/2020 at 12:10 PM

No, no, no, no. I was listening to this question being asked on a nation wide radio show and was surprised by the answers. Most of the people who were calling in seemed to be older. Of the older people who were asked, most of them said no, that it was a violation of our personal rights and possibly not constitutional to force people to wear masks. The people who were in favor of making masks mandatory seemed to be younger. I thought that was a little odd, that the people who are more at risk if they get the virus were more concerned about protecting our freedoms than the people who are less at risk of dying from the virus. I personally do want to give up my rights and freedoms because of a public panic, just so people who may not even be at risk can "feel" safe. I don't want the virus, but if we give up our rights we will never be safe from anything.
JM3030
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 227

JM3030
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 227

I'm not sure
8/16/2020 at 12:38 PM

Triplethreat said "No, no, no, no. I was listening to this question being asked on a nation wide radio show and was surprised by the answers. Most of the people who were calling in seemed to be older. Of the older people who were asked, most of them said no, that it was a violation of our personal rights and possibly not constitutional to force people to wear masks. The people who were in favor of making masks mandatory seemed to be younger. I thought that was a little odd, that the people who are more at risk if they get the virus were more concerned about protecting our freedoms than the people who are less at risk of dying from the virus. I personally do want to give up my rights and freedoms because of a public panic, just so people who may not even be at risk can "feel" safe. I don't want the virus, but if we give up our rights we will never be safe from anything. "
that its a violation of our human rights. I don't see how it's any different than needing to wear shoes inside a business. Its just new vs being raised with "no shirt, no shoes, no service".

The charter of human rights has to do with things people can't control. Things like sex, race, etc.
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

this exactly
8/16/2020 at 12:50 PM

JM3030 said "that its a violation of our human rights. I don't see how it's any different than needing to wear shoes inside a business. Its just new vs being raised with "no shirt, no shoes, no service".

The charter of human rights has to do with things people can't control. Things like sex, race, etc. "
We are "forced" to wear clothes. We are "forced" to wear seat belts. These are not infringing on our rights. Neither is wearing a mask.

My experience with some people is that they have a hard time differentiatiating between rights, needs, responsibilities and wants. This afflicts both the young and the old, but it kind of flabbergasts me when it's an older person. You would think they learned it by now.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Discussion
8/16/2020 at 12:55 PM

Triplethreat said "No, no, no, no. I was listening to this question being asked on a nation wide radio show and was surprised by the answers. Most of the people who were calling in seemed to be older. Of the older people who were asked, most of them said no, that it was a violation of our personal rights and possibly not constitutional to force people to wear masks. The people who were in favor of making masks mandatory seemed to be younger. I thought that was a little odd, that the people who are more at risk if they get the virus were more concerned about protecting our freedoms than the people who are less at risk of dying from the virus. I personally do want to give up my rights and freedoms because of a public panic, just so people who may not even be at risk can "feel" safe. I don't want the virus, but if we give up our rights we will never be safe from anything. "
These types of discussions do need the odd post like this to serve as a reminder why there are still real benefits to be had to mandating it either from the gov level, or at least enough mandating across businesses and corporates to cast a wide enough net... and why if things show signs of getting more Lombardy/Wuhan/NYC in any given city that mandating is likely going to have to happen.
Peoplewatcher
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 330

Peoplewatcher
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 330

Masks
8/16/2020 at 2:02 PM

I believe it could be our choice, to wear a mask, and possibly be safer, or do you really want to get exposed and/or spread it around ?
Don;t need to be fighting, cause it infringes on our rights. We still have the option to chose.
Personally , for myself, I would rather contend with fogged up glasses and irritation, then being infected.
And , of course am concerned for people who cannot wear them because of health issues.
Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Walmart
8/16/2020 at 4:47 PM

Gussins said "in there today but was last night. Almost everyone was masked up and all was quiet for the exception of one very loud, obnoxious unmasked man walking around yelling the word "propaganda" over and over. Sad how some people crave attention so much they don't care that it is negative attention they receive. "
The sign on the door states that masks are mandatory as of Aug 12, however, when I was there yesterday there were several people I noticed that were not wearing masks. The lady who was walking in front of me asked a Walmart employee about this, and she stated “we can’t force people to wear masks, it’s still their choice.” Um, ok? Why doesn’t the sign just say “masks strongly recommended” then because that is basically what’s going on...
Kida

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 470

Kida
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 470

I am for masks
8/17/2020 at 12:47 AM

My family is at high risk tp get covid as well as i. I have been wearing a masks for months now.. yes, it can be annoying, but if it can help my family and I stay just a little more protected I'm for it.

I have some difficulty breathing with the too. I have cloth mask and sometimes i can even struggle. I was batteling pneumonia in the hospital for over a month a couple years ago and still have issues my breathing as I'm have a diminished lung capacity. But I think it is better than getting sick,.

It just annoys me that there are still people grabbing items over you shoulders and coughing in your face not wearing a mask, it makes me worry especially when they go for the halls.

We need to learn to slow down and take one turn, follow the arrows on the floor for the isles. I know it is annoying, but it is place for everyone's safety.
Only go out when you need to, and don't so out if your sick have a neighbour or call up a friend to pick something up for you.

I have qaranteed my in my house for the last however months only going out to get groceries, at least 3 to 4 weeks supply at a time.
Exhausted
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1756

Exhausted
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1756

walmart - masks are required
8/17/2020 at 1:04 AM

New times said "The sign on the door states that masks are mandatory as of Aug 12, however, when I was there yesterday there were several people I noticed that were not wearing masks. The lady who was walking in front of me asked a Walmart employee about this, and she stated “we can’t force people to wear masks, it’s still their choice.” Um, ok? Why doesn’t the sign just say “masks strongly recommended” then because that is basically what’s going on... "
no mask - no shopping

probably employee asked was certainly not knowledgeable about policy.

yes they can not force but tell people to leave if they don't wear a mask and they have been doing that right at the door.

currently they will give you a free mask if you don't have one but not sure how long that will last.

having said that doesn't mean people will walk in with a mask and take it off later in store.

they will be asked to leave if they do so but there is only so many employees and can't be everywhere.

better than some grocery stores that don't have any policy on the requirement of masks and they should require them.

government mandatory masks policy for indoors will probably not be necessary as eventually all businesses will require them.

there are always people though that just don't get it. and think only about themselves and not others.
Hey!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284

Hey!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 284

.
8/17/2020 at 3:32 PM

If enough people wear masks the others will feel the social pressure to wear them without mandating.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
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Posts: 15663

Maple Leaf masks
8/17/2020 at 8:33 PM

Details at the link below re free mask distributions Maple Leaf is doing this week in the city. 25(!!) per household!
https://www.mapleleaffoods.com/news/media-advisory-maple-leaf-foods-partners-with-city-of-brandon-to-distribute-free-masks-to-community-members-in-effort-to-prevent-covid-19-spread-in-brandon-community/
melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

....
8/17/2020 at 10:30 PM

There are risks to wearing a mask all day long:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/masks-covid-questions-answered-1.5580645

If people are wearing masks for extended periods of time without properly cleaning them, Furness said, a bacterial biofilm can build up on the outside layer of your mask.

"If 30 million Canadians are wearing a cloth mask all day long, you'll see a noticeable spike in bacterial lung infections in a month or so," he said. "Especially because many people wearing them are often immunocompromised.

"Think about it: Our bodies are not designed to have a dirty cloth in front of our mouth all day."
Furness said you should still wash your mask in your washing machine after each use. He also recommends boiling it once in a while to kill bacteria.
1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

.
8/17/2020 at 10:39 PM

melsey said "There are risks to wearing a mask all day long:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/masks-covid-questions-answered-1.5580645

If people are wearing masks for extended periods of time without properly cleaning them, Furness said, a bacterial biofilm can build up on the outside layer of your mask.

"If 30 million Canadians are wearing a cloth mask all day long, you'll see a noticeable spike in bacterial lung infections in a month or so," he said. "Especially because many people wearing them are often immunocompromised.

"Think about it: Our bodies are not designed to have a dirty cloth in front of our mouth all day."

Furness said you should still wash your mask in your washing machine after each use. He also recommends boiling it once in a while to kill bacteria. "
I don’t know why people share links like they’re facts. I could find a link stating smelling farts helps you lose weight, and post it. Doesn’t make it true.

Any person can find a link to support their opinion. You can find links against masks, just as easily as others can find links all for masks. It’s pointless and dumb.
melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

melsey
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 905

...
8/17/2020 at 10:50 PM

1wrangler3 said "I don’t know why people share links like they’re facts. I could find a link stating smelling farts helps you lose weight, and post it. Doesn’t make it true.

Any person can find a link to support their opinion. You can find links against masks, just as easily as others can find links all for masks. It’s pointless and dumb. "
Well, I guess if you don’t have a logical argument just insult the opposite view. So much better than saying you believe the benefit output weighs the risks.

With mandatory masking having happened in other jurisdictions you’d think that there were no new cases or almost no new cases in those cities. Alas, that is not happening.
1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

.
8/17/2020 at 11:07 PM

melsey said "Well, I guess if you don’t have a logical argument just insult the opposite view. So much better than saying you believe the benefit output weighs the risks.

With mandatory masking having happened in other jurisdictions you’d think that there were no new cases or almost no new cases in those cities. Alas, that is not happening. "
No, I just believe if you have to post your opinion with a link, it’s a poor opinion that you’ve based off one article. Posting a link doesn’t give ones opinion any valid backing behind it. Anyone can be correct that way, anyone can find a link that backs up what they are saying.

I believe their is negatives to masks, and i believe there is positives. So i wouldn’t consider me the ‘opposite’ view.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
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Posts: 15663

Link
8/17/2020 at 11:13 PM

melsey said "There are risks to wearing a mask all day long:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/masks-covid-questions-answered-1.5580645

If people are wearing masks for extended periods of time without properly cleaning them, Furness said, a bacterial biofilm can build up on the outside layer of your mask.

"If 30 million Canadians are wearing a cloth mask all day long, you'll see a noticeable spike in bacterial lung infections in a month or so," he said. "Especially because many people wearing them are often immunocompromised.

"Think about it: Our bodies are not designed to have a dirty cloth in front of our mouth all day."

Furness said you should still wash your mask in your washing machine after each use. He also recommends boiling it once in a while to kill bacteria."
Link on an evolving topic is a few months old now and I hope people read the whole link and not just the one plucked paragraph... But for whatever portion of folks there are that need to brush up on mask cleanliness in order for them to most effectively play the role of reducing percentages, point taken.

Bottom line is provincial health officials are not beating around the bush and now advise wearing a mask when you can’t physically distance. Please do as health officials ask, there’s no excuse now that Maple Leaf is dropping a half million of them on our lap.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
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Posts: 15663

500k masks
8/17/2020 at 11:36 PM

It’s late and I’m feeling kinda math-y.

500,000 masks when placed side-by-side would stretch 87.5km. That’s enough to take your pick of:

-do a perimeter around the city about three times. If you were to include going out to Maple Leaf and back in that perimeter, which you wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest under the circumstances, you might only squeeze in 2 1/2 perimeters.
-go back and forth on Richmond Ave from East to West about eight times. Placed side-by-side you would come close to covering the width of a sidewalk
-stretch all the way along highway 10 from Brandon to Elkhorn Resort
Now you know
Gussins
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 380

Gussins
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 380

Oh my Adam.
8/18/2020 at 3:24 AM

Adam said "
It’s late and I’m feeling kinda math-y.

500,000 masks when placed side-by-side would stretch 87.5km. That’s enough to take your pick of:

-do a perimeter around the city about three times. If you were to include going out to Maple Leaf and back in that perimeter, which you wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest under the circumstances, you might only squeeze in 2 1/2 perimeters.
-go back and forth on Richmond Ave from East to West about eight times. Placed side-by-side you would come close to covering the width of a sidewalk
-stretch all the way along highway 10 from Brandon to Elkhorn Resort
Now you know
"
Just wanna give a shout out for providing the information about the masks as not everyone reads the paper. In fact, I have passed the info on to quite a few people who were otherwise unaware.

As well, thank you for keeping this topic in line with facts as opposed to false narratives as unfortunately in this circumstance, ignorance may very well kill you.
Prizzy
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Prizzy
Joined: This month
Posts: 1026

Yes
8/18/2020 at 10:20 AM

Unless you have a medical condition.
theeagle
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 411

theeagle
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 411

Missed part
8/18/2020 at 3:46 PM

melsey said "
There are risks to wearing a mask all day long:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/masks-covid-questions-answered-1.5580645

If people are wearing masks for extended periods of time without properly cleaning them, Furness said, a bacterial biofilm can build up on the outside layer of your mask.

"If 30 million Canadians are wearing a cloth mask all day long, you'll see a noticeable spike in bacterial lung infections in a month or so," he said. "Especially because many people wearing them are often immunocompromised.

"Think about it: Our bodies are not designed to have a dirty cloth in front of our mouth all day."
Furness said you should still wash your mask in your washing machine after each use. He also recommends boiling it once in a while to kill bacteria.
"
Notice how you missed part. That part that says if your wearing them, they will be fine if you leave them alone.

"The big risk with face masks is self-contamination — that is, if you adjust your mask with dirty hands.

The experts with whom we spoke said good hand hygiene and not touching your face is key when wearing masks, especially when taking them on and off."
cheeseburgermonster
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 119

cheeseburgermonster
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 119

It's
8/18/2020 at 4:49 PM

theeagle said "Notice how you missed part. That part that says if your wearing them, they will be fine if you leave them alone.

"The big risk with face masks is self-contamination — that is, if you adjust your mask with dirty hands.

The experts with whom we spoke said good hand hygiene and not touching your face is key when wearing masks, especially when taking them on and off." "
kinda hard to not adjust it or pull it away to try and breathe. I really can't wear one but I try to here and there and I have to lift it to breathe and I shouldn't be wearing it. I do carry hand sanitizer with me and try to use that before moving the mask but at times forget. I'll be carrying my lung capacity results paper with me and not wear the mask unless I see alot of people say in shoppers and have to go in. I have to go to walmart tomrrow and am not looking forward to inhaling exhaling heavily through my mouth to try and breathe.
theeagle
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 411

theeagle
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 411

Valve
8/19/2020 at 11:39 AM

cheeseburgermonster said "kinda hard to not adjust it or pull it away to try and breathe. I really can't wear one but I try to here and there and I have to lift it to breathe and I shouldn't be wearing it. I do carry hand sanitizer with me and try to use that before moving the mask but at times forget. I'll be carrying my lung capacity results paper with me and not wear the mask unless I see alot of people say in shoppers and have to go in. I have to go to walmart tomrrow and am not looking forward to inhaling exhaling heavily through my mouth to try and breathe. "
They are not as effective, but maybe try the ones with a valve? I have not seen any in Brandon, so you would have to order online, but that may help you.
AndreaD.
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 797

AndreaD.
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 797

Breathing with medical mask
8/19/2020 at 6:23 PM

I work at Maple Leaf. We wear the disposable medical masks from the time we enter the property to the time we leave (longer if carpooling or taking the bus). Depending on the job one does there, it can be physically demanding and make breathing through the mask hard. So there are a few tricks you can utilize.

Loosely crumple a stiff piece of paper towel, and place it below your nose, infront of your lips. This will help make a tent-like space or pocket of air that will allow for easier breathing. Especially if you need to take deep breaths from strenuous activity. Added bonus, change the paper towel every few hours (like work coffeee breaks) and your mask will not get saturated with moisture. Plus it will help keep your skin from breaking out due to months of wearing masks.

Use a bit of vapour rub or mint oil under your nose. The mint or eucalyptus oil will help open your sinuses and you can breathe much easier. It also helps keep your nose from drying out.

Wash and clean skin every night with gentle foaming face wash to keep skin clear, clean and healthy. Pimples are not uncommon due to the moisture of wearing a mask. If your skin is super sensitive, apply a bit of Vasaline to dry, clean skin of face at bedtime.

If mask rubs behind the ears and is uncomfortable, add a piece of string to ear loops and tie across back of head. If you are more creative, sew 2 buttons on the ends of a short piece of elastic and hook ear loops around those at back of head base of the skull. Girls, you can use a pretty barrette from Ardene's or even Dollarama that will be a cute fashion accessory, and use that to hook you ear loops into. (Do not use a blinged out barrette at work unless your work place approves it. May be in violation of food safe policy or safety policy depending on your job.)

If you are a hat wearer, hook the ear loops to your hat. Either hook on an adjustable band/harness (like hard hats) or attach buttons to your hat and hook the ear loops on the buttons.

If mask is too big, tie a knot in the ear loops to make the ear loops smaller.

Hope that gives some ideas or tips on trouble shooting mask issues.

Stay safe!

Edited by AndreaD., 2020-08-19 18:25:47