Handshakes banned in Toronto to check H1N1
POSTED August 20, 2009 - 17:23 | POSTED BY Priya Markanda
Last edited by Harpreet Bhagrath on August 20, 2009 - 18:08
A Canadian mayor in Quebec has banned handshakes to check the spread of the A(H1N1) virus. Since its outbreak in April, the swine flu influenza has claimed 66 lives in the country, including 21 in French-speaking Quebec province.
Though at present the virus has been more or less contained, the health authorities warned people for another dangerous outbreak during the winter season this year.
L'Ancienne-Lorette mayor taking the precaution seriously
Since the province of L'Ancienne-Lorette city goes to civic elections on Nov. 1, its mayor is taking the warning rather seriously.
Fearing the handshakes will spread the influenza during the campaign, Mayor Emile Loranger has decided to ban this social custom in their region.
“On the campaign trail, you meet tons of people every day. By avoiding shaking hands, we want to protect the health of our citizens,” said Loranger.
He informed the masses that his staff will avoid organizing public gatherings during the campaign in the city which is home to 12,000 voters.
The city is one of 1,100 cities and towns in Quebec that are going for municipal elections at the start of the winter flu season this year.
"We have to look beyond politics. It is not worth it to take risks when you know that kids are more vulnerable to the virus," he was quoted as saying.
The opposition
However, authorities at provincial public health don't agree with the mayor's decision.
“We are closely monitoring the evolution of the virus and we think the best way to prevent infection is still to have good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly,” said Dominique Breton, a health spokeswoman.
In its A(H1N1) advisory, the Health Canada has advised people to cover up coughs and sneezes with their hands, avoid physical contact with anyone (especially who is sick) and stay at home if experiencing flu-like symptoms.
