UNA president calls on government to protect Alberta’s children

In a letter to Premier Danielle Smith, Health Minister Jason Copping, and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe, United Nurses of Alberta President Heather Smith has urged them immediately address the respiratory infection crisis in Alberta’s hospitals, especially pediatric facilities.

“For the sake of Alberta’s children, and all Albertans, it is imperative that our government cease treating this situation as if it were a political inconvenience and address it immediately as the public health crisis that it is,” Heather Smith wrote.

“The simplest and most effective policy change that could be implemented immediately would be an indoor mask mandate to reduce the spread of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),” the letter said. “However, even a strong statement acknowledging that wearing masks in indoor public spaces and limiting the size and number of public gatherings attended this holiday season could have a beneficial impact.”