Canada

A senior health official defends the decision not to wear a mask after returning from an international trip

A senior Ontario health official has dismissed criticism of his decision to reveal himself during a news conference after his return from a personal trip abroad.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore has faced criticism on social media for not wearing a mask during a press conference Monday, where he spoke to reporters about the pandemic for the first time in more than a month.

His critics have suggested that by not wearing a mask, Moore violated federal rules requiring returnees to wear masks in public for 14 days.

But in an interview with CP24 on Thursday, Moore said he had done nothing wrong and said the press conference had not actually been held in public.

“I keep my distance, check every day and am immunized with four doses. I took off the mask for the press conference. I think wearing a mask is difficult at a press conference, but I just want to remind people that this is not a public space, “he said of Queen’s Park’s location.” Federal law is that you have to disguise yourself in a public place, but these were just members of the press, the vast majority of whom I looked at were also completely disguised. “

Other members of the public, including the prime minister, also returned from international travel and did not wear a mask at a press conference.

The camouflage rule remains in place at the federal level, despite the relaxation of other similar restrictions for people returning from travel abroad. The government has not said when the restriction could be lifted or how it could be implemented.

Moore’s recent vacation came as calls for him to address Ontario residents about the sixth wave of the pandemic.

At one point last week, when Moore was out of the country, Prime Minister Doug Ford was asked about his absence, but did not admit that Ontario’s chief physician was taking a break.

Instead, Ford defended Moore’s work ethic, noting that “he is at work 24/7, looking at the numbers, looking at the statistics.”

Speaking to reporters at a news conference earlier Thursday, Ford defended his stance on the issue, saying he was “honest.” And that Moore communicated frequently with him and Health Secretary Christine Elliott during his trip.

“What I understand is that he worked there all the time,” he said. “You know, I just appreciate everything Dr. Moore has done. He is a ruthless worker and does a good job. “