files from The Canadian Press
The unmasking of Dr. Kieran Moore.
Just days after Ontario's chief medical officer of health held a news conference "strongly recommending" Ontarians wear masks in all indoor public settings, including childcare settings and schools, Dr. Kieran Moore is catching flak for appearing at a public event without a mask.
"What we are facing is a triple threat that requires our collective action and action to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, the very young, the very old, and those with underlying medical issues, and to ensure that our health-care system remains able to care for Ontarians when they need it," Moore said at Monday's news conference.
The "triple threat" Moore was referring to was respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, as well as COVID-19.
However, video posted to various social media channels shows the province's top doc without a mask at a crowded indoor gathering on Thursday night, which was a Toronto Life event marking the '50 most influential Torontonians.'
On Monday, Ontario’s CMOH Dr. Kieran Moore “strongly recommended” Ontarians wear masks indoors.
— Charlie Pinkerton (@CharliePinkerto) November 18, 2022
Last night, 3 days later, he was partying maskless at Toronto Life’s celebration for its 50 most influential Torontonians of 2022, videos show. pic.twitter.com/YrgOuTGPbg
Moore was acknowledged for "keeping COVID under control," and ranked 12th.
Videos of an unmasked Moore did not impress Dr. Michael Warner, an intensive care physician at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto. Warner blasted the top doctor in a tweet saying, "the CMOH (chief medical officer of health" doesn't follow his own advice on masking."
The CMOH doesn't follow his own advice on masking.
— Michael Warner (@drmwarner) November 18, 2022
How is this supposed to make the parents of sick children and burnt out healthcare workers feel as the number of PICU patients continues to exceed PICU capacity?
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is downplaying the significance of an unmasked Moore.
According to the Canadian Press, Ford says masking is a personal choice for the people of Ontario after enduring two-and-a-half years of a pandemic.
Moore's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Canadian Press.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health says Moore evaluates the risk of each situation and uses many layers of protection.
