Doctors of BC is applauding a move by Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, after she said on Monday that she expects people to wear a mask while in public places.

Speaking on NL Newsday, President Kathleen Ross says it has been asking people to wear a mask while in both indoor and outdoor public spaces for several weeks.

“Doctors in BC really did feel that there were not enough British Columbians getting the message about wearing masks when they couldn’t physically distance. So we are absolutely delighted that Dr. Henry has come on board,” she said.

“So many British Columbians value and respect Dr. Henry so to have that extra backing I hope will lead people to do the right thing.”

Henry made those comments on Monday when announcing 817 new cases of the virus and new restrictions on private gatherings.

“In some cases people cannot wear masks for medical reasons, and that is okay,” Ross added. “But every little act we do – combined together – can make a real difference to containing this virus over the fall and winter.”

She says people should be wearing a mask to not just protect themselves from COVID-19, but others who may be more vulnerable to the virus.

“COVID-19 is spread by those respiratory droplets when we talk, when we laugh, when we sing, when we sneeze, and the virus hitches a ride on those droplets. So if we are wearing a mask, we’re keeping those droplets by and large to ourselves,” Ross added.

“It reduces transmission by about 80 per cent. Its not perfect, but it definitely is another tool in our tool box.”

Doctors of BC launched a social media campaign two weeks ago, encouraging British Columbians to Mask Up when physical distancing isn’t possible and to always wear one when at the hospital or a doctor’s office where people are more potentially vulnerable. That campaign – which has reached about 100,000 people – will continue through the fall and winter.

“Together we will get through this winter. The vast majority of people in B.C., I thank you for doing what you have been doing and sticking with this, even though it is hard because this is what will help us as we get through the next few months,” Dr. Henry said on Monday.