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Survey says: As pandemic surges on, a generational divide exists on prevention

As B.C. works through the seventh COVID-19 wave, older Canadians have growing concerns about catching the virus.
covidfacemasks
When health-care professionals are issued N95s or other certified respirators, they are fit tested to verify mask performance on the wearer. But fit testing is typically not an option for the public.

With the most recent surge of the coronavirus pandemic, Canadians older than 54 are more concerned about getting sick compared to younger generations, a new Angus Reid study finds.

This concern comes as Canadians enjoy their summer plans, filled with travel and concerts which they were unable to participate in during the last two years — sans mandatory mask wearing.

Overall, the poll found that nearly half of Canadians are being cautious about social interactions, including avoiding community events, cancelling plans, or delaying international and domestic travel.

And if provincial public health officials declare a seventh wave — only B.C., Quebec and Ontario have at present — then about 70 per cent of Canadians said they would limit their public interactions. The poll found younger people, especially men younger than 55, did not share this sentiment. 

In fact, two-thirds of men in the 18-to-34 and 35-to-54 age groups said they don't think about COVID-19 often. And a minority of people in this group said they would be willing to wear a mask or avoid crowded public spaces.