Triple Virus Threat Leads to Appeal by Toronto’s Black Scientists to the Black Community

‘Wear Masks, Save Lives’

November 16, 2022 (Toronto, ON) – The Black Scientists’ Task Force on Vaccine Equity (BSTF) is appealing to members of Black and racialized communities to return immediately to wearing masks indoors and within enclosed spaces. “Our communities are once again facing serious health threats as the COVID-19 pandemic acts synergistically with new viruses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza to undermine child and community health,” states the BSTF.  A virtual townhall set for Thursday November 17th from 1PM to 2:30PM EST via ZOOM has been organized to remind community members about critical risks of respiratory viruses and long COVID.

Task Force Chairs Dr. Candice Todd and Dr. David Burt are emphasizing the importance of resuming vigilant mask wearing at this key moment of vulnerability.  “Risks are multiplying, and preventive actions are essential for preventing severe illness risks, especially among our children,” says Dr. Burt. He highlights well established measures such as flu shots and Fall COVID-19 boosters and urges Black community members to get their third dose, given the scientifical reliability of a booster shot for recent variants. The Task Force is emphatic that racialized vulnerabilities have not been eliminated and compel timely public health responses.

The Task Force is emphatic that racialized vulnerabilities to Long COVID and varied mortality risks from severe COVID-19 have not been eliminated and compel timely public health responses.  According to Dr. Akwatu Khenti, “This immediate reality should be understood as a significant push factor for the application of public health measures.”

SOURCE FKB Media Solutions