Public Health’s decision to strongly recommend wearing a mask in public places divides the population, as has been seen The newspaper by going to feel the pulse of people in two shopping malls.
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While some have wanted the government to tighten the screws a little more, as in the last two winters, others are more than tired of being told what to do and intend to change nothing in their habits.
Not strict enough
Many people – mostly seniors – were already wearing the mask when shopping for the holiday season yesterday. For many of them, this recommendation is welcomed with open arms.
“As soon as I arrive in a place where there are a lot of people, I take out my mask. I trust 80-90% of people for their good judgment, but there is always going to be a 10-15% who are going to be reluctant to wear it. [quand ils sont malades] », launches Magella Turcotte, at the Place de la Cité.
Some even believe that the government should have been more strict on this subject, as it has been the case for the past two winters. The fear of a rise in mortality this winter is still in the air.
“In shopping centers, pharmacies, grocery stores, among others, it should have been mandatory. There are a lot of contacts in those places! “says Ghislain Boudreau, a mask on his face.
Photo Jeremy Bernier
Ghislain Boudreau and his wife Claudette Bolduc have been wearing the mask for some time when they go outside and intend to continue wearing it in the coming weeks.
Neither hot nor cold
Other citizens met by the Journal seemed, for their part, rather neutral in the face of this decision by Public Health. For them, this recommendation highlights the importance of the precautions to be taken, without forcing the hand of the population.
“We won’t necessarily wear the mask more, except perhaps at the hospital or the pharmacy, but we will be more careful, that’s for sure. We will stay at home if we are sick and we will not intentionally go and infect the world, ”says Claudette Bolduc.
“It’s a free choice. I always have masks nearby in my bag or in my pockets. If we are going to a place where there are a lot of people, it is worth wearing it or if we are going to an RPA. Also, for ourselves, if we have something and we have to go out, we put it on. Above all, it should not be imposed because there, we will not wear it. You have to be responsible,” said Louise Gendreau of Lévis.
At the Manon Simard Beauty Institute, Nancy Renald believes that common sense is in order. Employees who work near customers, in aesthetics, will wear the mask, but she does not see the need for those who work on the floor.
“If customers want to put on the mask, I have no problem with that. But for me, it’s over. We will have to learn to live with viruses, ”she says.
“Obviously if you’re sick you obviously have to wear it. After that, it’s more your choice, whether or not you want to wear it, “said Nicole Beltran.
The masks of misfortune
However, the health measures of the last two years of the pandemic have got the better of the patience and tolerance of many people who no longer want to know anything about wearing a mask.
“Good thing it’s just a recommendation, personally I won’t wear it. It won’t change anything for me, ”says Samuel Thibodeau, alongside his wife.
A shopkeeper from the Promenades de Beauport, who wished to remain anonymous, admits having had enough of sanitary measures.
“I expected it, coming from the government. Do I think it’s worth it? No. As for me, it’s over, we’ve gone elsewhere. He no longer dies of the world, ”she says.