DoNoHarm BC

WHN graphic with a solid rust-orange background and the whn.global logo at top left. Large bold white headline reads: “Tell the WHO — healthcare workers deserve real respiratory protection.” Subtext: “Sign the petition by October 31st urging universal use of N95/FFP2-3 respirators in healthcare.” A small footer note says: “LINK TO PETITION IN CAPTION.”

A group of global experts in medicine, public health, law, and industrial hygiene have come together to urge the World Health Organization to finally recognize and recommend true respiratory protection — N95/FFP2-3 respirators — for all healthcare settings.

Surgical masks are not PPE.

Graphic showing Wastewater Surveillance sample data for respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B and RSV). Wastewater surveillance works by quantifying the amount of virus shed by infected people into the community’s wastewater system(s). While these measurements by themselves cannot tell us how many people are infected, tracking changes in these measurements over time can give us a complementary sense of circulation of respiratory viruses. Report updated on October 9th, 2025. Data is presented up to the reporting period of epi week 40 (September 28-October 4, 2025). Influenza A, B and RSV low in all regions, and SARS-CoV-2 moderate/high in Northern, Interior and Coastal regions, high on the Island and in the Fraser region, and trending upwards in Fraser and Northern regions. There are multiple abundant lineages (XFG.2, XFG.10, and NB.1.8.1.)

Wastewater testing in BC has recently decreased in frequency, and several wastewater plants have stopped testing entirely, which is likely to result in less accurate data.

Stay safe out there: ventilate, vaccinate, educate, mitigate 😷 Visit donoharmbc.ca for more info on current campaigns

Canadian COVID Forecast for October 11 to 24, 2025, produced by COVID-19 Resources Canada. Canada's COVID Forecast outlook is HIGH (no change) with a COVID INDEX SCORE of 8.9. About 1 of every 95 people is infected. Estimated infections this week: 558,700-965,600 What these numbers mean: MODERATE 1-5, HIGH 5-10, VERY HIGH 10-15, SEVERE >15 COMPARED TO THE LOWEST POINT IN THE COVID PANDEMIC IN CANADA How much higher are key indicators compared to the lowest point in the COVID pandemic in Canada? Waste water, infections: HIGH; 6.1X higher Long COVID: HIGH; 5.9X higher Hospitalizations: VERY HIGH; 11.3X higher Deaths: HIGH; 9.2X higher

British Columbia's COVID Forecast for October 11 to 24, 2025, produced by COVID-19 Resources Canada. Outlook is HIGH (decreasing) with a COVID INDEX SCORE of 8.4. About 1 in every 108 people is infected. Estimated infections this week: 67,100-11,900 What these numbers mean: MODERATE 1-5, HIGH 5-10, VERY HIGH 10-15, SEVERE >15 COMPARED TO THE LOWEST POINT IN THE COVID PANDEMIC IN CANADA How much higher are key indicators compared to the lowest point in the COVID pandemic in Canada? Waste water, infections: HIGH; 6.3X higher Long COVID: HIGH; 5.5X higher Hospitalizations: HIGH; 9.8X higher Deaths: HIGH; 9.2X higher

Gauges with the October 11 to 24, 2025 COVID Forecast scores for Canada, the provinces, & territories: Canada: HIGH - 8.9 Alberta: HIGH - 7.0 British Columbia: HIGH - 8.4 Manitoba: VERY HIGH - 14.9 New Brunswick: VERY HIGH - 11.3 Newfoundland & Labrador: SEVERE - 17.0 North: VERY HIGH - 12.3 Nova Scotia: SEVERE - 16.3 Ontario: HIGH - 7.5 Prince Edward Island: VERY HIGH - 11.8 Quebec: HIGH - 10.0 Saskatchewan: SEVERE - 17.0

A graphic shows recommendations from COVID-19 Resources Canada, including: UPDATE vaccines every 6 months WEAR N95-type masks AVOID indoor social gatherings AVOID crowded non-essential places Below that, text reads, infection increases risks of long-term health damage (Statistics Canada). A Statistics Canada graph shows long term symptoms from one infection (14.6% of people), two infections (25.4%), and for three or more infections (37%).

Here’s the latest hazard index from the academic-led team at Covid-19 Resources Canada, based on federal government wastewater data. This is the forecast from October 11th to 24th. COVID rates are still high across Canada (~1 in every 95 people is infected), and high in BC (~1 in 108).

Long Covid researcher and activist Kayli Jamison speaks at today's Long Covid launch event at the Museum of Vancouver

Selfie at event wearing a white headstrap zimi mask with purple flowers

One of the stories that resonated - "I was able to venture out for an ice cream cone with a friend this day. I don't feel comfortable eating in restaurants or going to bars like most people my age. Spring and summer are nice beaches they give me more options to spend time outdoors with fewer people around - which means I get to see the people I love more often. Even short moments like this help me feel a little more like a "normal" 24 year old again

Some of the personal stories on display. A combo of text and pictures artistically laid out on white walls with brightly coloured orange and yellow backgrounds

It was standing room only at today's Living with Long Covid exhibit at the @museumofvan.bsky.social!

I was moved to tears by some of the personal stories on display. Such a great event

Promotional graphic from whn.global with a background map of the United States covered in red location pins. At the top, there is a red button with white text: “TAKE ACTION.” Main text reads in bold black and red letters: “Your local health department needs to hear from you.” Supporting text below: “Join the campaign by emailing your local health department using WHN’s templates urging stronger infection-prevention messaging, and then adding your pin to the map.” At the bottom, the URL is displayed: “whn.global/health-department-outreach-campaign.”

Change starts local. When national health guidance falls short, our cities, counties, and states can step up. That’s where you come in.

Submit written online feedback by Friday, Sept 26 at 4:30 PM at worksafebcmedia.com/pubco/prrd/2...

Register to speak at one of the two virtual public hearings on Wednesday, Sept 24: worksafebc.com/en/law-polic...

You can find more details, including a template response, on our website.

But there is time to ask WorkSafe to:

1. Delay the update until the new edition is out, or

2. Adopt the 2018 edition, and revise again once the new edition is published.

You can submit feedback in the following ways:

Because the CSA's newest edition of Z94.4 isn’t finalized yet, WorkSafe plans to use a soon-to-be-outdated 2018 edition.

This edition doesn’t include the latest science on airborne transmission, and doesn’t require N95s in healthcare settings – unlike the proposed 2025 edition.

An illustration of three masked workers. Text reads, "Tell WorkSafeBC to use the newest standard for N95s and other respirators. Give written feedback by September 26, 2025. Register for the virtual public hearings on Sept. 24." More info and talking points: DoNoHarmBC.ca

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITY: WorkSafeBC is revising some regulations, including its standard on respirators! However, it plans to use an outdated edition on N95s.

Background and how you can help 🧵:

The Clean Air Festival logo is on a light purple, pink, and blue background with illustrated trees along the bottom border. Text reads: The 3rd Annual Clean Air Festival! A Covid-safer Hybrid Event. September 14 @ 1-7 PM PDT / 4-10 PM EDT. There is a cloud behind the text and the letter R is wearing a mask. Below that is the following text: “with performances by: Zeo Bookbinder, houseguest, Tiddley Cove Morris, Travis Bernhardt, and hosted by Mx Bukuru. There are two fluffy cloud graphics showcasing festival features. The left cloud is titled Community Care and lists the following: Building DIY Air Cleaners for high-risk community members, free N95 masks, rapid tests, DIY fit test kits, zines, and more. The right cloud is titled Fun & Games and lists the following: Arts, crafts & tabling, online games and social, and online and on-site prizes. Admission is free with donations welcome. Respirators (like N95 masks) are required and available on site. The festival takes place at Slocan Park in Vancouver, and on Zoom. The link to register and get safety and access info is cleanairfestival.ca

The Clean Air Festival logo is on a light purple, pink, and blue background with illustrated trees along the bottom border. Text reads: The 3rd Annual Clean Air Festival! A Covid-safer Hybrid Event. September 14 @ 1-7 PM PDT / 4-10 PM EDT. There is a cloud behind the text and the letter R is wearing a mask. Below is a selection of logos. Featuring logos from the following participating organizations: Abolitionist Care and Belonging, Canadian Covid Society (online feature), Clean Air 604, Clean Air in BC Schools, CSSDP Vancouver, Devil's Club Street Medics, DoNoHarm BC, Dunbar Acupuncture, Dumpster Fire Distro, The Invisible Dream Caravan, Maskquerade Events, Masks4EastVan, Millions Missing BC, Public Health is Dead, Protect Our Province BC, SolidAIRity Greater Vancouver, Spring Magazine Vancouver, The Travelling Hygienist, Vancouver Still Cares, Vancouver Tenants Union - Joyce Collingwood chapter, Venturous Counselling + Consulting, Weaving Our Worlds Collective and logos from the following sponsors: Aranet, Baevocative Photography & Videography, Cosy Yoga Club, Essential Opera, Green Muse Herbs, Heart & Hands Health Collective, Live Educate Transform Society (LET’S), North Box Systems, Opera Mariposa, The Poster Guy, and Vitacore

Stay safe out there: ventilate, vaccinate, educate, mitigate 😷 Come visit our booth at the third annual Clean Air Festival (cleanairfestival.ca for tickets) to chat all things clean air advocacy, and visit DoNoHarmBC.ca for current campaigns!

Graphic showing Wastewater Surveillance sample data for respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B and RSV). Wastewater surveillance works by quantifying the amount of virus shed by infected people into the community’s wastewater system(s). While these measurements by themselves cannot tell us how many people are infected, tracking changes in these measurements over time can give us a complementary sense of circulation of respiratory viruses. Report updated on September 4th, 2025. Data is presented up to the reporting period of epi week 35 (August 24-30-, 2025). Notable findings of the chart include: Influenza A low in all regions, Influenza B low in all regions, RSV low in Northern and Interior regions, and SARS-CoV-2 moderate in all regions but trending upwards in all regions except for Fraser which is steady. Abundant lineage is NB.1.8.1 in all regions except for Fraser where it is PQ.17.

With school back in session and the weather starting to cool down, we’re seeing COVID rates high across Canada (~1 in every 65 people is infected), and very high in BC (~1 in 47). The current dominant COVID lineage in most of BC is still NB.1.8.1, nicknamed “razor blade throat”.

Canadian COVID Forecast for August 30 to September 12, 2025, produced by COVID-19 Resources Canada. Canada's COVID Forecast outlook is HIGH (no change) with a COVID INDEX SCORE of 9.5. About 1 of every 65 people is infected. Estimated infections this week: 399,350-536,875 What these numbers mean: MODERATE 1-5, HIGH 5-10, VERY HIGH 10-15, SEVERE >15 COMPARED TO THE LOWEST POINT IN THE COVID PANDEMIC IN CANADA How much higher are key indicators compared to the lowest point in the COVID pandemic in Canada? Waste water, infections: HIGH; 7.2X higher Long COVID estimate: HIGH; 7.7X higher Hospitalizations, ICU: VERY HIGH; 10.7X higher Deaths: VERY HIGH; 10.9X higher

British Columbia's COVID Forecast for August 30 to September 12, 2025, produced by COVID-19 Resources Canada. Outlook is VERY HIGH (no change) with a COVID INDEX SCORE of 11.8. About 1 in every 47 people is infected. Estimated infections this week: 78,875-106,050 What these numbers mean: MODERATE 1-5, HIGH 5-10, VERY HIGH 10-15, SEVERE >15 COMPARED TO THE LOWEST POINT IN THE COVID PANDEMIC IN CANADA How much higher are key indicators compared to the lowest point in the COVID pandemic in Canada? Waste water, infections: HIGH; 8.3X higher Long COVID estimate: HIGH; 7.3X higher Hospitalizations, ICU: VERY HIGH; 13.9X higher Deaths: VERY HIGH; 13.7X higher

Gauges with the August 30 to September 12, 2025 COVID Forecast scores for Canada, the provinces, & territories: Canada: 9.5 - HIGH Alberta: 11.8 - VERY HIGH British Columbia: 11.8 - VERY HIGH Manitoba: 8.3 - HIGH New Brunswick: 8.7 - HIGH Newfoundland and Labrador: 11.1 - VERY HIGH North: 9.9 - HIGH Nova Scotia: 9.2 - HIGH Ontario: 8.6 - HIGH Prince Edward Island: 8.9 - HIGH Quebec: 8.8 - HIGH Saskatchewan: 8.7 - HIGH

A graphic shows recommendations from COVID-19 Resources Canada, including: UPDATE vaccines every 6 months WEAR N95-type masks AVOID indoor social gatherings AVOID crowded non-essential places Below that, text reads, infection increases risks of long-term health damage (Statistics Canada). A Statistics Canada graph shows long term symptoms from one infection (14.6% of people), two infections (25.4%), and for three or more infections (37%).

Here’s the latest hazard index from the academic-led team at Covid-19 Resources Canada, based on federal government wastewater data. This is the forecast from August 30th to September 12th.

In this WHN Town Hall, Dr. Dick Zoutman explains why Canada’s new CSA respirator standard is so important. From COVID's toll and Long COVID risks to why N95s must be the default in healthcare, this standard could transform safety for patients, staff, and visitors.

Protecting healthcare workers protects us all: Canadian coalition gets overwhelming support backing stronger protections for healthcare workers in updated CSA respirator standard...

#Z94.4
The Canadian Aerosol Transmission Coalition put out a statement supporting CSA’s revisions to Z94.4. Over 1,700 individuals and organizations signed on to the statement - including unions representing over 3 million workers in 🇨🇦. www.globenewswire.com/news-release...

Today's the last day to add comments publicreview.csa.ca/Home/Details...

And huge shout out to @donoharmbc.bsky.social for putting together an excellent comment template:

(Green background with mask) Text: "Here’s why the new CSA Z94.4 respirator standard matters for safer hospitals."

(Green background, bullet points) Text: "Respirators are required for healthcare workers in most spaces—except in 'exempt zones' where extra precautions are present to meet requirements of a risk analysis. The standard connects the Precautionary Principle across CSA Z94.4 (respirators), CSA Z8000 health facility design), CSA Z317.12 (cleaning and disinfecting), and CSA Z317.2 (HVAC) — all working together to minimize airborne risks."

(Green background, bullet points) Text: "Hospitals must give access to respirators in multiple sizes and styles—for staff, patients, and even visitors. 'Easy-breathing' options are recommended, along with the option for healthcare workers to use PAPRs (powered air purifying respirators) if they prefer."

(Green background, yellow box) Text: "Every single person can help. The CSA is accepting public comments until August 19. You can help make this a reality—by submitting your comment. [Yellow box] See caption for details"

Big step for safer hospitals: the new CSA respirator standard would ensure everyone—staff, patients, even visitors—has access to protection. It ties together design, cleaning, and ventilation to cut airborne risks.

Illustration comprenant de image et du texte. Une femme portant un masque N95 se trouve à gauche de l'illustration. À sa droite, un texte indique : Contribuez à façonner les politiques en matière de sécurité dans les milieux de soins.

Sur un fond bleu marine parsemé de points bleus légèrement plus clairs, se trouve le logo de la Société canadienne de la covid au centre inférieur. Le texte sur l’image indique : La norme sur l’utilisation des appareils de protection respiratoire de la CSA est en cours de mise à jour, et la nouvelle édition exigerait le port d’appareils de protection respiratoire par les travailleurs de la santé (à quelques exceptions près).

Sur un fond bleu marine parsemé de points bleus légèrement plus clairs, se trouve le logo de la Société canadienne de la covid au centre inférieur. Le texte sur l’image indique : Les normes de la CSA orientent souvent l’élaboration de politiques; c’est donc une avancée considérable vers des milieux de soins plus sûrs pour le personnel et, par extension, pour les patients.

Sur un fond bleu marine parsemé de points bleus légèrement plus clairs, se trouve le logo de la Société canadienne de la covid au centre inférieur. Le texte sur l’image indique : Faites savoir à la CSA que vous soutenez la version préliminaire de la norme d’ici le 19 août!

Chaque commentaire de soutien compte, aussi bref soit-il. Pour ceux qui souhaitent aller plus loin, nos amis de DoNoHarm BC ont créé un excellent guide pour rédiger vos commentaires : donoharmbc.ca/soutenez-une...

Passez à l’action dès maintenant : publicreview.csa.ca

Graphic with image and text. A woman wearing an N95 mask is on the left of the graphic. To her right, text reads: You can help influence health care safety policy today.

Text-based graphic with a navy blue background, a scattering of slightly lighter blue dots, and the Canadian Covid Society logo centred at the bottom. The text on the image reads: The CSA standard for the use of respirators is being updated, and the new edition would require respirators be worn by health care workers (with a few exceptions).

Text-based graphic with a navy blue background, a scattering of slightly lighter blue dots, and the Canadian Covid Society logo centred at the bottom. The text on the image reads: CSA Standards often inform policy development, so this is a huge step forward in making health care safer for staff — and, by extension, patients.

Text-based graphic with a navy blue background, a scattering of slightly lighter blue dots, and the Canadian Covid Society logo centred at the bottom. The text on the image reads: Tell the CSA you support the draft standard by August 19th!

Even a quick comment of support matters. But if you want to go deeper, our friends at DoNoHarm BC have created an excellent guide to commenting: donoharmbc.ca/national-sta...

Take action now —> Submit your comments on Z94.4 here: publicreview.csa.ca

Deadline tomorrow, Aug 19!

Want the shortest way to comment?

1️⃣ Go to publicreview.csa.ca/Home/Details... & log in (or create an account).
2️⃣ Search for the CSA Z94.4 draft (“Selection, use and care of respirators”).
3️⃣ Comment on clause 9.2.2 supporting respirator requirements in healthcare!

Illustration comprenant des images et du texte. Une femme portant un masque N95 et des gants médicaux se trouve à droite de l'illustration. À sa gauche, un texte indique : Soutenez la version préliminaire de la norme sur les appareils de protection respiratoire dans les milieux de soins de la CSA. L’examen public est en cours jusqu’au 19 août 2025! Illustration d'une tablette sur laquelle est ouverte une page Web. À ses côtés, un texte indique : DoNoHarm BC a créé un guide rigoureux pour rédiger des commentaires.

Contribuez à façonner la norme canadienne sur les appareils de protection respiratoire!

D’ici le 19 août, la norme CSA Z94.4 est ouverte à l'examen public — et pour la première fois, elle inclut des protections en milieu de soins.

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Graphic with text and images. Woman wearing an N95 mask and medical gloves, with the following text beside her: Support the CSA draft standard for respirator masks in health care. Public feedback is open until August 19th!   Image of a tablet showing a webpage with the following text beside it: DoNoHarm BC has created a thorough guide on providing feedback.

Help shape Canada’s respirator standard!

Until August 19, the CSA Z94.4 standard is open for public comment — and for the first time, it includes protections in health care settings.

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Support a National Standard for N95s (and other respirators) in Healthcare The Canadian Standards Association is looking for public feedback on an update of a national standard for N95s (and other respirators).

Please endorse Canadian Standards Assoc's 🌎-leading respirator standard (and laws of physics 🙃)

Experts: Sign letter of support here www.aerosoltransmissioncoalition.ca

EVERYONE: Submit comments through public portal - excellent guide @donoharmbc.bsky.social here: donoharmbc.ca/national-sta...

L'Association canadienne de normalisation a publié un projet de norme exigeant le port de N95 dans les établissements de soins de santé.

Ajoutez vos commentaires d'ici mardi prochain, 19 août, en utilisant l'excellent document explicatif en langage clair créé par @donoharmbc.bsky.social.

A draft standard requiring N95 respirator masks in health care settings has been released by the Canadian Standards Association.

Voice your support by next Tuesday August 19 using the excellent plain-language explainer prepared by @donoharmbc.bsky.social (it’s also available in French!)

At the top, a green button reads: “Take Action.” Below it: Canada is on the verge of adopting a national standard for universal respirator use in healthcare. Subtext: For the first time, N95s would be expected for all healthcare workers, patients, and visitors — unless equally protective substitute measures are in place. Final paragraph: To our knowledge, this is the first national standard of its kind — anywhere in the world. In the background is a faint image of a CAN95 respirator. The WHN logo and a row of six colored dots appear at the top.

Headline in bold: If this CSA standard is finalized, it sets a critical precedent for other countries to follow. Followed by: It can shape global policy for decades on: • Clean air in healthcare • Pandemic preparedness • Protection of the most vulnerable Final sentence: This is about making healthcare safer — for everyone. Background includes a faded image of an N95-style respirator. The WHN logo and six colorful dots are at the top.

Bold headline: Every single person can help. Subtext: The CSA is accepting public comments until August 19. You can help make this a reality — by submitting your comment. A dark green button reads: “See caption for details.” Faint background shows a close-up of a CAN95 mask. Top shows the WHN logo and colored dots.

Canada is on the verge of adopting a national standard requiring N95s in healthcare—and your voice can help make it happen.

Protecting Healthcare Workers: COSHH & Respiratory PPE Clear guidance on legal duties under COSHH and proper use of respirators to protect healthcare workers from airborne hazards.

Have a look at this new report from the British Occupational Hygiene Society: shh-uk.org/protecting-h...
Aligns with proposed CSA Z94.4 revisions.

@donoharmbc.bsky.social @barryhunt008.bsky.social @dickzoutman.bsky.social @dfisman.bsky.social

Promotional graphic for a WHN.global Town Hall titled “The Fight for Canadian Universal Healthcare Respirator Mask Standards.” The event aims to defend Canada’s respirator mask standards and protect universal healthcare. It invites the public to learn what’s at stake and how to take action. Event type: Town Hall (label in red) Main heading: “The Fight for Canadian Universal Healthcare Respirator Mask Standards” Description text: “Join us for a critical Town Hall to defend Canada’s respirator mask standards and protect universal healthcare. Learn what’s at stake and how to take action.” Date: Tuesday, August 5ᵗʰ (calendar icon) Time: 12–1 PM EST (clock icon) Speakers (with photos): Katie Marsh (shown smiling with red glasses and long hair) Dr. Dick Zoutman (shown smiling outdoors in a jacket, with white hair) The image includes the whn.global logo at the top right and a row of colorful dots at the top left.

Canada is on the brink of setting a historic national standard for airborne protections — but it’s under threat.

Join us for a crucial Town Hall featuring Dr. Dick Zoutman to discuss this matter. Your voice and presence matter.

Register here: necsi-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

#MaskUp #CleanAir

Soutenez une norme nationale en matière de N95 (et d’autres appareils de protection respiratoire) dans les milieux de soins Jusqu’au 19 août 2025, il est possible de formuler des commentaires sur une norme transformatrice du Groupe CSA qui éxigerait, entre autres, le port de masques de type N95 ou de qualité supérieure dan...

A French translation of our CSA resource is now available, thanks to @cancovidsoc.bsky.social!

Soutenez une norme nationale en matière de N95 dans les milieux de soins. Exprimez-vous d'ici le 19 août 2025. Obtenez un résumé de la norme et des modèles de réponse au donoharmbc.ca/soutenez-une...

CANADA! This is urgent, please share and take the time to complete. DNHBC has made easy to follow instructions, but if you don't have time/capacity to comment on all sections, please complete Section 9 which focuses on Healthcare!! We need as much public comments as possible! #CovidIsNotOver

Please take some time to give feedback on this. We can ensure that PPE in healthcare includes precautions against airborne pathogens (i.e., n95 respirators).