Letter: Mask-up directive needed at Royal Inland Hospital

Editor:

I am writing to express my shock and deep concern over the lack of mask requirements at Royal Inland Hospital.

As a patient there, I observe that the hallways are partly filled with unmasked people, including staff members. The attempt at COVID questioning at the entrance is positive, but construction workers are running in and out of the lobby, unmasked, to the coffee shop inside.

Everyone who has reason to be in the hospital is particularly vulnerable. Our staff members are brave and essential. Can anyone explain why there is no universal mask requirement, with masks provided for those who cannot afford them? We are a wealthy community and province. Certainly we can do better.

I appreciate all efforts that are being undertaken, but I am appalled with this problem, as are many staff members and patients with whom I have spoken.

Clearly we are all in present danger as the pandemic has returned with greater severity.

How can a country like ours mobilize to build thousands of war aircraft and munitions, save refugees and more, but not provide N95-rated protection for our hospital and related clinic workers during this pandemic?

Lisa Rawn

Kamloops