Connect with us

Community News

Masks On, Mask Off – Is widespread masking a reflexive reaction to anxiety over the pandemic?

Published

on

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. (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.

We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Lamond Haughton

    July 11, 2020 at 12:26 pm

    Would love to do and interview with the author of the article .

  2. Joe

    July 13, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    God bless

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community News

Timeless music brought to life on stage; Welcome to the Soul Nostalgic Experience

Published

on

Photo Credit: Jose Maria Elizalde

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Soul Nostalgic Experience! Tonight, we’re taking a journey back in time to relive the magic of an era that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Are you ready to feel the groove?”

The audience erupts into cheers and applause as the band launches into a classic soul tune. People start swaying in their seats, unable to resist the infectious beat. A few brave souls even start dancing in the aisles.

Imagine being transported back in time to the golden era of R&B and Soul music, where smooth melodies and infectious rhythms ruled the airwaves. Now, envision this timeless music brought to life on stage with the energy and spectacle of a Las Vegas residency.

That’s precisely what the Soul Nostalgic Experience is all about. As I stepped through the doors, I was greeted by the smooth ambiance of classic R&B tunes mingling with the clinking of glasses and the tantalizing aromas wafting from our kitchen. The atmosphere was electric, alive with the anticipation of what the night had in store.

In the heart of Toronto’s vibrant music scene, there exists a figure who orchestrates brilliance from the shadows. Steve Hollywood, a name whispered among those in the know, is the unseen force behind many of the city’s musical endeavors. Despite his significant contributions, he stays removed from the spotlight, preferring the quiet hum of behind-the-scenes influence. Regardless, his presence remains enigmatic, known only to those privileged enough to collaborate with him. It’s a rare invitation to glimpse into his world, an offer extended to a select few, beckoning them to join the symphony of creativity he meticulously curates.

On Thursday, April 25th, 2024, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was welcome to the Acqua Supper Club, where the heartbeat of Toronto’s R&B and Soul scene will pulsate throughout the summer. Nestled in the heart of the city, the venue is a sanctuary where men and women will be able to gather for unforgettable evenings of soulful music and culinary delights.

At the helm of this musical journey is none other than DRU, a Juno Award-winning and gold record artist with a visionary passion for bringing back the magic of the 90s and 2000s R&B/Soul era. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, his performance was a journey through the soul, evoking nostalgia and stirring the spirit. Inspired to create something truly special, DRU collaborated with the immensely talented The Recipee Band to craft a show unlike any other. The Recipee Band, comprised of musical virtuosos: Jason Larmond, Otis Williams, Juwayon Clarke, and Jonathan Kerr, bringing over two decades of collective experience to the stage.

Drawing from a diverse range of genres and generations spanning from the 50s to the present, The Recipee Band serves as the backbone of Soul Nostalgic, infusing each performance with their unmatched musicality and passion. Soul Nostalgic isn’t just a concert; it’s a collective of exceptional talent coming together to create an immersive experience that will transport you back in time.

The night brought me through a ray of emotions, from high-energy dancing to electrifying live music, every moment of the show was designed to make you groove and feel good.

As the night unfolded, I found myself immersed in a world where time seemed to stand still, where the troubles of the outside world faded away, and all that mattered was the connection between music, food, and community.

I completely co-sign on this unforgettable journey. On May 30th, 2024, they are sharing this experience with the city again, so get ready to dance, sing along, and relive the magic of an era that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. This is more than just a concert; it’s the Soul Nostalgic Experience.

Continue Reading

Community News

Generational survival: Can our young people survive our generation?

Published

on

Photo Credit: Dr Obotdean

BY STEVEN KASZAB

The young people of the day are often criticized for not voting or participating in our electoral and public service efforts. Called bubble wrapped by some, those who attend schools of higher learning face challenges presented to them such as: professors who are not objective but espouse various ideologies of the left or right. Professorial prejudices often place the young student in academic limbo, encouraged to choose their professors preferred political outlook.

Raised to be democratically inclined, our youth often witness the actions of our establishments, which can appear to be very undemocratic. Terms like “Do as we say, not as we do,” hypocritical actions by the administration and police often lead our youth an openness towards misguided ideologies and movements of purported social change.

Our youth are encouraged to insert themselves into local, national and international politics, only to be witness to the horrible events, misinformation and the manipulative nature of global media who present their own interpretation of said events. Media is in fact a business manipulated by corporate and politically friendly owners. So, how can our youth truly believe what is in fact real, truthful, honest and objectively presented?

Our youth will often develop a sense of “Stockholm Syndrome” like attitudes, actions and desires. Desire to change a society that is obviously unacceptable but have an attitude to accept no other message except that which is given by their governments and institutions.

Our youth find the idea of voting in a system that remains the same, changes nothing and has players who all look and act alike to be a waste of time and effort. There will always be bad guys, taxes, raising prices, and diminishing opportunities. One’s outlook can be deflated, filled with nervous tension and even fatalism. War, addiction, premature deaths, abortion, women rights, democracy while supporting and doing business with dictatorships.

To be young, means to create, grow and aspire to positive things. Our national and global experience is seen as the opposite of that approach. There is simply: too much going on, too many people being harmed, too little opportunity, too much misinformation, too much greed to allow our young to develop in a well-balanced, mentally positive manner.

Mental health concerns for not only the youth, but our own as adults challenge us to change our ways, assist each other with an: empathetic, charitable manner, open minds and hearts.

Our young people are our treasure and future hope. If they are screwed up, so too are our future expectations and future goals. We have to continue to work on getting it right.

Continue Reading

Community News

The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) scandal: Is there room for corrections and restoration?

Published

on

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

After over 40 years of upholding a legacy of integrity and excellence, accusations and allegations of mismanagement of public funds and conflict of interest have raised its ugly head at the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA).

As I investigated the meat of information surrounding this case it is easy to see why many buzzards are circling this prey. One of the main allegations I have noticed is that BBPA management awarded contracts to companies controlled by the former President and CEO, Nadine Spencer, without appropriate due diligence. Again, if this turns out to be true, an organization that has been in business for four decades must have seen this coming.

If the rules of receiving the funds, or government grants say that you must put out tenders to hire workers, then by all means do so. We have to remember that bad news travels twice the speed of good news.

There is more; on November 5th, 2021, the BBPA’s President at the time, Nadine Spencer became the CEO where she was allegedly paid in the range of $250,000. This was used to make the comparison that a bigger organization was thriftier with their money than BBPA, here is how. As an example, the Executive Director of Tropicana Community Services, a much larger non-profit organization, earned a salary of $163,671 in 2023.

My job in this article is not to throw BBPA under the morality bus, but to shed a bit of light on how as a people we must realize that all eyes are on us. Something I quickly spot is how many mainstream media took the opportunity to jump at this alleged scandal in BBPA, yet, for over four years now Canada has been led off the cliff, and because these same mainstream media folks were paid and funded, they looked the other way.

Do I condone the misuse of public funds? Hell no! If these allegations are proven to be true, should BBPA be held accountable? Hell yes!

That said, I went to BBPA’s website to have a bird’s eye view of what this organization is all about, and after reading I must say I was impressed.

I am hoping that BBPA realizes that to whom much is given, much is required.  An organization that has kept such a sterling reputation over the last four decades need not look only in its rearview mirror, but in blind spots as well.

Misappropriation of funds is no laughing matter regardless of how big or small an organization is, nor is conflict of interest. These are tantamount to having blood stains on white garments. If proven there needs to be public apologies, and most importantly “a complete cleaning of the house.”

The Boards of Directors of the BBPA released a statement on Friday, April 26th, 2024, in response to the call for their resignation in the midst of the allegations of financial mismanagement. The statement was addressed to BBPA members/supporters. It states, “We want you to know that we have been listening to the concerns that have recently been raised. The BBPA has hired independent professionals to undertake the appropriate reviews. The current BBPA Board has and continues to proactively take steps to strengthen governance and compliance practices. We are all dedicated to learning, improving, and continuing to work together through this process. We, as Directors, also want you to know that you can reach out to us any time for a conversation.”

Now in the case of Mr. Harry Jerome’s daughter, when one engages in asking an organization that has upheld her father’s name for four decades to quit using the name. I would like to think that this individual has solid proof of wrongdoing, or if proven wrong is ready to apologize as well, but with all these wolves circling the wagon. I understand her plight.

Starting from a small gathering that honored just six Black Canadian athletes who excelled at that year’s Commonwealth Games in 1983, to an organization that built an endowment fund of close to $600,000, and in the last 24 years the fund has granted over 650 scholarships totaling close to 2.5 million dollars, BBPA has a lot to be proud of.

However, if these allegations are found to be false, I am hoping that the accusing parties will do the right thing and apologize. On the other hand, if BBPA is found to be in the wrong, then the organization should be wise enough to rock the boat and throw those found guilty of tarnishing BBPA’s and Mr. Harry Jerome’s good reputation completely overboard.

According to news sources, BBPA has categorically denied all allegations. Whichever way this cookie crumbles, BBPA, your decision should and must make your people, and the late sprinter Mr. Harry Jerome’s name and family proud.

Continue Reading

Trending