public health
BC’s new masking guidance isn’t enough
October 17, 2023By: Michelle Young, Opinions Editor As of October 3, masks are mandatory for healthcare workers and visitors in settings that are accessible to patients, including areas where they receive care. This includes spaces like the rooms where doctors and nurses serve patients directly, or areas where patients may stay while waiting, such as lobbies. The policy also extends to contractors or volunteers in the area, but does not include private clinics or patients themselves. It’s a step forward, but there’s not much of a reason to shy away from universal masking, which would include asking patients to mask. It makes…
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Vaccine misinformation is alive and well — and more perverse than ever
January 25, 2023By: Robert Sim, SFU Student The last year has seen a terrible new trend in misinformation; the spreading of false news stories tying sudden deaths among young people to vaccine side effects. It’s perverse and dangerous. COVID-19 vaccines are amazing.…
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We cannot risk becoming complacent with the presence of COVID-19 in our lives
July 18, 2020By: Nicole Magas, Opinions Editor In a July 6 open letter to both the federal and provincial governments, several current and former health experts pleaded for a more rapid and relaxed reopening plan that would resume in-person classes, allow for more…
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There is no safe reopening without robust health order enforcement
June 7, 2020By: Manisha Sharma, SFU Student As BC slowly reopens, many are keen to get back to the lives we had before the pandemic forced us into quarantine. Like coming out of hibernation, people are leaving their homes and are eager to…
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Anti-lockdown protests ignore social responsibility for egotistical “freedom”
May 25, 2020By: Michelle Young, Staff Writer The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed many bustling routines into dull days. People have been advised to stay home, avoid non-essential travel to “flatten the curve,” and ensure COVID-19 doesn’t overwhelm the healthcare system. While a small…
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Reopening society now is the worst thing we could do
May 17, 2020By: Nicole Magas, Opinions Editor Quarantine is tough, there’s no question about it. Even as an introvert I’m struggling. Sure, it was nice at first — not much actually changed from my usual routine of YouTube and reading. But as the…
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A new corona virus is no excuse to break out the racism
February 1, 2020Update (April 23, 2020): The headline and sections of this article have been updated from their original version in order to clarify information that was inconclusive or partial at the time of writing. By: Nicole Magas, Opinions Editor By now, “coronavirus”…
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Choosing not to vaccinate even if you’re healthy is inexcusable
November 16, 2019By: Ahmed Ali, Peak Associate Like clockwork, with another Fall term comes another flu season. The stress of midterms and exams is accompanied by the sounds of coughing and sneezing in halls and classrooms alike. This is to say nothing of…
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