Community News
Masks On, Mask Off – Is widespread masking a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic?
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
PAY ATTENTION!
This article just might save your life, if you take the time to go with me through this convoluted journey of the mask.
I am going to give this type of article a new name. We will call it a Docuview. Like a documentary, this article is going to be a non-fictional editorial, intended to document reality, primarily for the purpose of instruction, education, and maintaining a historical record. There has to be something left behind that accurately tells the stories of how society rebounded from the current catastrophic mess of our time.
Yes! I have hope, and the reason is because I know our readers are going to go through this information with a fine-toothed comb, check all references, and implement a plan for better health success. In this docuview, we are going to take you through the many twists and turns that have come about due to COVID-19, and mixed messages we have received on how to keep ourselves safe.
Let’s start with what is currently happening in Canada.
On June 30th, 2020, a by-law was issued in Toronto, Ontario stating that persons or organizations who own or are responsible for the operation of a facility or business, must have a policy to ensure masks or face coverings are worn by the public in enclosed areas, under their control.
Dr Eileen de Villa (City of Toronto Medical Health Officer) said “They have seen that making masks mandatory improves COMPLIANCE.”
Mayor Tory has spoken out and also said that masks will be mandatory in all public and enclosed indoor spaces. This means that you will be required to wear a mask on public transportation, such as the TTC, and ferries to the Toronto Islands, as well as inside shops, grocery stores and malls. He also mentioned that there will not be “AGGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT” of the new bylaw, and that the city will instead focus on educating the public about the importance of the order.
Souce: Ontario Government
Link Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/face-coverings-and-face-masks?fbclid=IwAR3alC-qfmUzyrw_RA4QqAy-7i8IFQREsgBsa-hTbsbYPVm_deZMPRdcxr8
This temporary by-law goes into effect starting July 7th.
The Brampton Guardian put out a story (written by Steve Cornwell), that Peel Region’s medical officer of health Dr. Lawrence Loh announced Tuesday, June 30th he has issued a recommendation that bylaws be enacted across Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon mandating use of non-medical masks in public places.
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie, said the rule would not require businesses to supply non-medical masks, but would allow them to REFUSE customers who aren’t wearing them, “period, full-stop.” She also said enforcing mandatory masks will be “CHALLENGING” and city officers will take an educational approach to the bylaw initially.
Other cities and boroughs are following this approach across Ontario including Durham Region, London, and St. Catherines.
How about we take a quick trip over the border.
Freedom Foundation (https://www.freedomfoundation.com/press-release/freedom-foundation-lawsuit-alleges-mask-order-violates-free-speech-compels-virtue-signaling/), recently put out a press release about Washington’s directive requiring residents to wear a mask or equivalent face covering in public places. This directive has been challenged by a lawsuit arguing the state cannot compel citizens to meekly support whatever newest guess the government is making when responding to the COVID-19 virus. By announcing that masks are required, license is given to state residents to publicly scorn, or privately inform on, their neighbours.
Currently 46 out of the 50 states have mask guidelines in place. According to CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/19/us/states-face-mask-coronavirus-trnd/index.html), there are a growing number of US states, who have mandated the use of masks and face coverings while in public. Their claim is that a recent study found that the use of masks and face coverings has been the most effective way to reduce person-to-person spread of coronavirus.
Currently: California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Washington have mandated masks.
I am not too sure where the law makers, politicians, governmental organizations, and mainstream media are sourcing their information from, but there have been some discrepancies with these claims of masks helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Let’s go a little further down the rabbit hole.
On April 6th, 2020, the World Health Organization released information in a release “Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19.” (https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331693/WHO-2019-nCov-IPC_Masks-2020.3-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y)
According to them, there is limited evidence that wearing a medical mask by healthy individuals in the households or among contacts of a sick patient, or among attendees of mass gatherings may be beneficial as a preventive measure. There is currently no evidence that wearing a mask (whether medical or other types) by healthy persons in the wider community setting, including universal community masking, can prevent them from infection with respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.
They go a little further to say that the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection, and other measures should also be adopted. They concluded that the wide use of masks by healthy people in the community setting is not supported by current evidence and carries UNCERTAINTIES and critical RISKS.
Our very own Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Theresa Tam, went live on CTV News, March 30th, 2020, and stated that current evidence doesn’t support public needing masks. I have included the video link for you because I need for you to hear the words out of her mouth. It runs from 0:00 seconds – 2:17 minutes approximately.
In her words, “The government was prioritizing the supply of masks for frontline workers. Continuous scientific evidence shows if you are sick, put on a mask to prevent droplets from spreading. Putting a mask on a person who is asymptomatic (NO SYMPTOMS) is not beneficial if you are not infected. If you are in close contact with someone who has the virus wear the mask.
What we worry about is the potential negative aspects of wearing a mask. It is not protecting your eyes, or other places that the virus can enter your body, and it gives you a false sense of confidence. Also, it increases the touching of your face.”
On the Canada.ca website (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html) they review the limitations of “Non-Medical Masks and Coverings.”
They clearly state that homemade masks are not medical devices and are not regulated like medical masks and respirators:
- They have not been tested to recognized standards
- The fabrics are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators
- The edges are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth
These types of masks may not be effective in blocking virus particles that may be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. They do not provide complete protection from virus particles because of a potential loose fit and the materials used.
According to an article published last month in the New England Journal of Medicine: (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2006372)
“We know that wearing a mask outside health care facilities offers little, if any, protection from infection. The chance of catching COVID-19 from a passing interaction in a public space is therefore minimal. In many cases, the desire for widespread masking is a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic.”
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (https://www.jccf.ca/mandatory-masking-requirements-represent-an-interference-with-personal-autonomy/) is closely watching the development of orders and regulations in some jurisdictions, which mandate the use of masks in all indoor public places, and those who require private establishments to enforce this directive.
The Justice Centre highlights the fact that for those who have to wear them for hours on end, masks can be debilitating and even a threat to health. Some of the orders instituted regionally in Ontario fail to fully account for the rights of those who cannot wear a mask safely. Such failings would render the requirements unconstitutional as a result of unjustified violations of sections 7 and 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, namely the rights to liberty, security of the person, and equality.
In addition, the necessity for exempt persons to disclose private and confidential information to third parties by way of explanation to justify their inability to wear a mask creates privacy concerns, which may render the mandatory mask requirements illegal. Plainly put, you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. You have the right not to wear a mask.
Let’s stop for a moment and take a breath (mask off). I want you to take a second to digest the hypocrisy, misinformation, and blatant half-truths that you have been fed. Now, let’s start providing you with the information that you really need to keep yourself safe from this supposed second-wave of COVID-19 that we are going to be hit with. Clearly, contrary to popular belief, masks aren’t it.
I was introduced to Dr Terry Tillaart (https://www.terrytillaart.com/), and speaking with him offered some clarity. Dr Terry Tillaart graduated with a PhD in Natural Medicine from Kingdom College of Natural Health, certified by Texas Chiropractic College Division of Postgraduate studies. Terry was also nominated as the Moderator for the Natural Cures Forum on the World’s largest health website.
“They cannot enforce it,” Dr Terry began, “Masks are useless. Studies have been done on masks, and respirators, and they all cause harm. We are being told that if we restrict oxygen, we will feel better. What? As humans, we get rid of waste in four ways: Respiration (lungs remove carbon dioxide), perspiration (sweat), defecation (ridding body of solids), and urination (ridding body of liquid waste).
- How long can you go without eating? About three weeks!
- How long can you go without drinking? About three days!
- How long can you without air? About three minutes!
- This mask premise is fraudulent in so many ways.
Bad health is not something you can catch. If that was the case, you could catch good health.”
The Healthy America Website, produced a research article called, “Science Says Healthy People Should Not Wear Masks.” (https://www.thehealthyamerican.org/about-masks?fbclid=IwAR08eOVWU_8CH_mwpRugbT7yDjyqqmknsxFl5vBPmieqsozBf7eredfobac)
They went through an extensive list and provided reasons as to why healthy people should not be wearing masks:
- Masks reduce intake of oxygen, leading to carbon dioxide toxicity
- Germs are trapped near your mouth and nose, increasing risk of infection
- Wearing a mask causes you to touch your face more frequently
- There is no scientific evidence that supports healthy people wearing masks
- Masks obscure your facial features and impede normal social interaction
- Masks make it hard for hearing-impaired people to understand you
Warning label on box of masks.
Wow! How was that for you? Are you slowly removing your mask as you are reading this? If not, I completely overstand. There is still that fear of catching this COVID-19 thing. So, how do we move on from here?
I had the honour of speaking with Sachin Patel, a retired doctor who was formally trained as a chiropractor. He educated me on the workings of the body, and ways in which we have been misinformed.
“Being a chiropractor taught me how powerful the human body is. You create health; you don’t get health. We have cells we are not taught how to use.
It is our current nomenclature. We shouldn’t look at preventing illness, because anything we are preventing we are creating.
We have to start taking a creationary approach to health. We can decide how well we want to take care of ourselves. I don’t take any health advice that is not at least 2,000 years old. Good health is quite simple when you look at it: smile often, keep good company, get a lot of sun, and eat natural foods.
Our bodies are operating systems. Hardware is our physical body. Software tells the matter what to do (fears, beliefs, how we are triggered, our nervous system). Our minds can become incorrectly programed for disease. Fear has been weaponized. Think about it Simone; we are using a $1.00 mask to guard a trillion-dollar body.”
The good thing is that although there are certain cities in Toronto that are issuing these bylaws, the provincial government has declined a blanket order that people have to wear masks in indoor settings.
“A provincial policy isn’t necessary as local medical officers of health have the authority to institute the same policy the mayors requested under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act,” Ontario’s Health Ministry said in a statement.
Let’s take a look at Section 22, Order by M.O.H. re communicable disease Health Protection and Promotion Act (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h07/v9)
- (1) A medical officer of health, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2), by a written order may require a person to take or to refrain from taking any action that is specified in the order in respect of a communicable disease. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7, s. 22 (1).
That’s right people. You do have a choice. This docuview is not meant to sway you in any direction. We are all autonomous beings and have the right to live our lives the way we want. I just hope that this docuview provided you with enough information for you to make an educated decision on your health, and going forward, I want you all to be very cautious when listening to the news. Do your research and find the best way to take care of your health.
Community News
Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients
BY PAUL JUNOR
It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.
On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.
UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:
- United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
- The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
- Unite Here! Local 75
- Toronto & York Region Labour Council
- Canadian Labour Congress
- The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)
“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”
The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:
Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng
She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.
Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story
She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.
Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson
She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.
Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron
She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.
Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark
He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.
Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris
She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.
Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge
She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).
Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby
She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.
Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)
This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.
The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.
The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)
UARR is looking forward to its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:
- Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
- Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
- Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
- Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
- Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.
Community News
What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span
BY KAHA GEDI
As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.
First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.
First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.
Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”
Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.
Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.
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Lamond Haughton
July 11, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Would love to do and interview with the author of the article .
Simone Jennifer Smith
July 13, 2020 at 8:18 am
Lamond Haugton. Let’s make it happen.
Joe
July 13, 2020 at 6:46 pm
God bless