SUDBURY -- Public Health Sudbury & Districts has crunched the numbers and more Sudburians appear to be willing to use a mask as part of their COVID-19 precautions.

The numbers were part of their September snapshot and were released during their board meeting last Thursday.

It surveyed a number of people in June who live in the city and asked them what precautions they are taking as a part of the pandemic. It then did the same thing in September to see if there was any shift in the numbers.

Most noticeable was mask use. The report's authors found 64 per cent of the city was willing to wear a mask outside the home when two metres distance couldn't be maintained back in June. Three months later, in September, that number had increased to 89 per cent.

"It certainly is a really good thing because ... one of our Top 10 rules to live by is to do a face covering," said public health nurse Natalie Philippe. ""We were quite pleased to see there is an increase … in terms of wearing face covering and also asking others to practise public health measures, so that's really important, too."

Recent spike easing

The report comes at a good time as the city's COVID numbers continue to decrease following a spike after Halloween. Now with Christmas roughly a month away, they are hopeful people will stay vigilant.

"We've been saying it all along throughout the pandemic and we're going to continue saying it throughout the Holiday season and as winter sets," said Philippe. "We are currently in winter flu season."

The report also found those wearing a mask at work when physical distancing can't be maintained more than doubled, from 22 per cent to 50.

And with each passing month, Philippe said she knows the possibility of COVID-fatigue setting in is real.

While the numbers show slightly more people are undertaking non-essential travel (84 per cent to 77 per cent), Philippe said they recommend people stay close to home.

A good thing

"We want to promote shopping locally, as well, and that's always something that we've done," she said. "Some folks do travel for work or medical purposes, those are more essential things."

Dr. Deborah Smith helps to run the city's COVID-19 Assessment Centre through Health Sciences North. She has seen the local cases and said if more Sudburians are wearing masks, that's a good thing.

"It's excellent news and certainly it's recommended by the ministry to wear a mask when you're out in public," Smith said. "Most people are compliant and it's great to see because, as we say, we're all in this together and we have to protect each other and wearing a mask when you're out in public is the way to do it."

"I am truly impressed with the number of people that are wearing masks," said Ward 5 Coun. Bob Kirwan, one of three city councillors who sits on the health unit's board. "I see very, very few people that do not have masks on when they're inside or when they're in the vicinity of other people."

Really proud

"I think Sudburians are really proud of the fact that we've been able to contain the virus, that we've been able to avoid it," Kirwan added. "It's almost like you're at the front of the race -- if you're at the front of the race, it's not the time to slow down and I think Sudburians are feeling if what we've done to get to this point has been so good, let's not change."

He said the last COVID spike has died down and he credits those who are wearing their masks and keeping their distance from other people.

Sudburians we spoke with said it's great news and they like the idea of wearing one, if it's necessary.

"It's not a bad idea, it's to keep the COVID down, to help the spread ... keep the spread down or whatever, so I don't mind doing that," said Brad Masson.

Another woman, who was pushing her baby carriage down Westmount Avenue with her toddler in tow, said it's great to hear everyone is doing their part.

"I think it's the least I can do .... really, I'm not worried about catching it myself nor am I worried about my young ones, but even he wears a mask," said Kelsey Gilchrist.