cappem looks forward to working with new federal government

New Government to Support Widespread Mask Use to Stop Fourth Wave

Today, the Canadian Association of Personal Protective Equipment Manufacturers (CAPPEM) congratulated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on forming Canada’s new Federal government. CAPPEM also commended opposition party leaders, candidates and volunteers for their effort in this historic election. “CAPPEM congratulates Prime Minister Trudeau on forming Canada’s new Federal government and looks forward to working with all parliamentarians to advance public policy that supports personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers in Canada and a national PPE strategy to protect Canadians from COVID-19 and future public health threats,” said Barry Hunt, President of CAPPEM. “A strong PPE industry and strategy in Canada means that we will be self-reliant in the future and also holds the key to improving current pandemic conditions across the country.”

The current fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada is driven by the far more transmissible and virulent Delta variant. Similar to previous variants, the Delta variant is spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. Transmission can also occur by touching a contaminated surface and then the eyes, nose, or mouth however, airborne transmission is far more likely especially as cooler weather forces Canadians indoors and limits the effectiveness of social distancing. Fortunately, we have the ability to stop the airborne spread and transmission of COVID-19 by using masks which is why CAPPEM is encouraging the new Federal government to provide effective masks to all Canadians and support a pan-Canadian mask mandate. “Masks mandates and universal distribution have proven extremely effective in countries around the world. It is time that our Federal government take a similar approach in Canada,” said Mr. Hunt.

As Canadians head into fall, a new approach is needed to curb the current fourth wave, save our health networks from strain and prevent deaths. Social and personal hygiene measures become less effective as people spend more time indoors due to weather and while vaccines have helped reduce the number of life-threatening cases, people remain vulnerable to infection and able to spread the virus to others. “Strong support from the federal government for mask use across the country, combined with vaccines and other measures, is the best way to stop this virus in its tracks,” added Mr. Hunt.