Stephen Malthouse, MD
Denman Island, BC
V0R 1T0
Dr. Bonnie Henry,
British Columbia Provincial Health Officer,
Ministry of Health,
I am a physician who has been in family medical practice in BC for more than 40 years and a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC since 1978.
I am writing this letter with the hope that you will be able to clarify the basis of your decision-making that has led our provincial government, health ministry, regional health officers, hospitals, medical staff, WorkSafe BC, businesses, and everyday citizens to follow pandemic policies that do not appear based on high-quality scientific research and, in fact, appear to be doing everyone a great deal of harm.1
The early intent of mitigation measures to “flatten the curve”, when we knew very little about SARS-CoV-2, its mode of transmission, and the severity of COVID-19, was reasonable. I believe that most physicians in Canada, myself included, whether active or retired, prepared themselves to take part on the front lines for the expected COVID-19 tsunami. Very soon it was apparent that the expected overwhelming of the hospital system was not going to occur, and now BC physicians have questions about the appropriateness of your public health policies.
The epidemiological evidence clearly shows that the “pandemic” is over and no second wave will follow. The evidence has been available for at least 4-5 months and is irrefutable.2-4 Yet, in spite of this substantial body of research, your office is perpetuating the narrative that a pandemic still exists and a second wave is expected. This false story is being used to justify public health policies that appear to have no health benefits, have already caused considerable harm, and threaten to create more harm in the future.
As you are aware, Sweden took an entirely different approach and, as of mid-September, their infection rate reached an all-time low and Covid-19 related deaths were at zero; 22 of 31 European countries, most of which enacted strict lockdowns, had higher infection rates. Sweden has also largely escaped the financial ruin and catastrophic mental health problems experienced in other countries, including Canada and the U.S.A.
Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg, Montréal’s medical officer, has stated “this COVID virus is much like the seasonal flu”. A group of over 400 Belgian doctors have stated “COVID is not a killer virus, but a treatable condition”. Eighteen Canadian doctors wrote the Ontario Premier, Doug Ford, stating “your policies risk significantly harming our children with lifelong consequences”. The Ontario policies are very similar to those of British Columbia.
In 2011, a review of the literature by the British Columbia Centres for Disease Control that sought to evaluate the effectiveness of social distancing measures such as school closures, travel restrictions, and limitations on mass gatherings as a means to address an influenza pandemic concluded that “such drastic restrictions are not economically feasible and are predicted to delay viral spread, but not impact overall mortality”. [Italics added]
Specifically, there appears to be no scientific or medical evidence for5-6
- Self-isolation of asymptomatic people
- social distancing
- facemasks
- arbitrary closure of businesses
- closure of schools, daycares, park amenities, and playgrounds
- the discontinuance of access to education, medical, dental, chiropractic, naturopathic, hearing, dietary, therapeutic, and other support for the physically and mentally disabled, particularly special needs children with neurological disorders
- the closing down of or restrictions on religious places of worship.
According to the CDC Pandemic Severity Index, none of these measures have been warranted. The Great Barrington Declaration, signed by more than 30,000 health scientists and medical doctors from around the world, adds support for this statement.
Surprisingly, the recommendation for reducing COVID-19 morbidity and mortality by supplementing with vitamin D, a measure that is supported by high-quality research, has been absent from your frequent public broadcasts and professional bulletins.7 Optimizing nutrition is a convenient, inexpensive, and safe method of improving immune resistance and has been confirmed through numerous studies for both prevention and treatment of COVID-19. As far as I am aware, you have never mentioned something as simple as vitamin D supplements for our most vulnerable citizens. Yet, it was the promise to protect these same citizens that was used to justify the lockdown of a healthy population and the closure of businesses.
Why are you still using PCR testing? The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Health in Ontario has publicly stated that the PCR test yields over 50% false positives. A New York Times investigative report found that PCR testing yields up to 90% false positives due to excessive amplification beyond the recommendations of the manufacturer. The PCR test was never designed, intended or validated to be used as a diagnostic tool. Even the Alberta Health Services COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Group has stated “clinical sensitivity and specificity values have not been determined for lab developed RT-PCR testing in Canada”.8 Despite expert consensus, you continue to use this inappropriate and inaccurate test to report so-called “cases” and justify your decisions.9-18
The public health definition of a “case” is very broad. As all experienced doctors know, a “case” is a patient with significant symptoms who is often hospitalized. A “case” is not a person who simply has a questionably positive PCR test and presents with no symptoms or an unrelated diagnosis. Pictures of healthy young adults standing in line to get PCR tests, with a cell phone in one hand and a Starbucks coffee in the other, are everywhere in the media. These are not sick people and do not need testing.
Nevertheless, your public announcements repeatedly emphasize that the “case” counts are rising and we are in big trouble. Recently, “out-of-control” case counts were used to justify a second lockdown in Ontario and Quebec. Curfews have been put into place. People are being asked to risk their livelihoods to make sacrifices for the general good, based on Public Health’s misrepresentation of “cases” as sick people.
Meanwhile, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths from COVID-19 have dropped to pre-pandemic levels. Where are all the patients?
Why not simply tell the public that
- the PCR testing is not reliable and is meaningless for diagnosing COVID-19
- positive PCR test results do not represent sick patients,
- rarely are people now becoming ill from SARS-CoV-2,
- provincial hospitals are essentially empty of COVID-19 patients,
- decisions should not be based on “cases” in the news,
- the morbidity/mortality of COVID-19 has not exceeded seasonal influenza,
- the median age of death from COVID-19 in Canada was 85 years,
- the pandemic is over, and
- no second wave is coming?
It is your duty as the provincial health officer to provide facts, not propaganda, and make every effort to stop the public panic. The only reason for emphasizing “cases” is to induce more fear and thereby compliance in the name of promised safety.
Why are children being pursued with a new rinse-and-spit saliva test that is also based on a worthless PCR test? Children have been terrorized and are being given the message that they can never be trusted not to infect their family and friends — essentially, that they are naturally bad. The insistence on covering their faces with masks, a proven useless and even harmful measure, only worsens this sense of shame. The psychological fallout from such messaging is going to be horrific. One only needs to walk down Main Street to already see the catastrophic effects of these messages on the mental and emotional health of families.
The excess death toll from partial lockdowns, social distancing and other public health measures is staggering. The Canadian media reports that provincial measures have been shown to create 12:1 more deaths than the virus; there has been a 40% increase in heart attack deaths in Canada from fear, anxiety and cancelled hospital procedures; suicide and drug overdose deaths have increased and outnumber COVID-19 deaths by a ratio of 3:1; suicides have doubled in BC since April; and anxiety and depression, food insecurity, domestic violence, and child abuse have skyrocketed. With unnecessary school closures, the ability of teachers to identify children subject to abuse and malnourishment has been curtailed. Many of our friends, family and patients died alone, terrified, and isolated against their will in facilities and nursing homes. That cruel policy was unjustified and inhuman.
How is it possible that a doctor with your previous training and experience did not anticipate the collateral damage of your public health policies – the economic disruption, the psychological and physical health consequences, and the deaths from despair?
The mainstream media has created a religion out of public health, one based on superstition, not science, with the power to rule over an obedient public. The news channels have raised you to almost saint-like status. Tea towels, shoes and murals have been designed to celebrate your accomplishments. Yet, your public directives do not make sense, contradict the research, and are causing people a great deal of harm. As a fellow doctor, I appeal to you to re-examine your policies and change direction before Public Health causes irreparable damage to our province’s health and economic well-being. That about-face will require you to meet the obligations of your office.
Stephen Malthouse, MD
Patrick shadwell says
Dr.bonnie for p.m!!she rocks!!
Megan Allen says
I got Covid a couple of days after my kids were home for spring break. I couldn’t get out of bed. My hair fell out. I had trouble breathing, but not so bad that I went to a hospital. I was super sick for a month with every single symptom of Covid. Doritos were never so tasteless. I was tired for weeks and weeks afterwards. And yes – I have underlying health conditions.
I likely have immunity to this now. But maybe not. And I would like to be kicking around to take care of my kids. I appreciate everyone wearing masks even though I am often the person forgetting my mask at home and getting one from the store.
If I were 85, I would not want to be isolated. I think I would be accepting that death might be around the corner. And I think I would be dancing and singing – covid or not – and visiting the people who I loved and liked – covid or not. However, maybe I would be isolating and wanting another ten years. Hard to say until you’re there. My kids need me right now, though.
I don’t think the government is hoping we are all poor.
Could the town create a website for local products from stores that we could go to? I would like to support local places to stay open through this pandemic, but I also know I like convenience. A one stop shop online for local products? There is a website making group on meetup.com that operates locally… they could maybe set this up for us?
… just an idea…
Stephen Malthouse, MD says
Thank you for publishing my Open Letter that was sent to Dr. Henry and all public health officials in BC. As expected, they did not respond. With just slight investigative effort, many people have the come to the same conclusion as I have: Public health has been lying to British Columbians and rolling out policies that are killing people. Now a second round of financial, physical and psychological harm, from policies that are not based on science and did not work the first time, is being forced on us. And people are just going along. Don’t fool yourselves: it will be one lockdown after another and fear-mongering ad infinitum unless we say “Stop!”
Lately, even more research has shown that public health measures, including isolation, lockdowns and business closures, has a death ratio of at least 10: 1 compared to COVID-19 itself (Revolver study). World renowned virologists and epidemiologists, like Dr. Michael Yeadon, agree that lockdowns, social distancing, and facemasks did not affect the spread of the virus anywhere in the world . Furthermore, the mortality for 2020 has been the same as previous years and was only labeled a pandemic because the WHO changed its definition in 2009 to accommodate the bird flu scare. The recent increase in hospitalizations is typical for this time of the year and does not constitute a second wave. We have SARS-CoV-2 population immunity in most countries including Canada and the so-called pandemic is over. We might have a few lingering COVID-19 cases, but most patients have typical influenza-like illnesses that present with the same symptoms and are mislabelled COVID-19 by a highly inaccurate nasal swab PCR test.
However, you won’t hear this story from Drs. Fauci, Tam or Henry. At this point, you should be scratching your head and asking “Why is that?”
It is unfortunate that the references accompanying my Open Letter were not printed in the ODN, but they can be found at pandemicdebate.com and will answer many of your readers’ criticisms. The bottom line however is this: Stop watching mainstream news and start thinking for yourself. The contradictions and absurdities of public health policies are obvious and you will soon see that the experts you trusted with your lives are not working for you anymore.
Jack Dean says
I guess this is why doctors have to have insurance, because they say and do things they shouldn’t. I’m just going to fallow the advise of the dictator next door to us and drink disinfectant while sitting on an ultraviolet light. Did you know if you belong and believe in Qanon you can’t get Covid-19! It’s true I read it somewhere!
Roger McKay says
This effusive letter was only posted for a short time when a report from Sweden shows their covid cases were “skyrocketing”.In addition,Sweden has four times the deaths of their neighbors {Denmark,Norway and Finland}.
This guy needs to move south.
ron pivovar says
The publisher is an absolute fool.
Publisher: Thanks Ron. I always appreciate a kind word. Even an intelligent response to a serious argument.
Kristine Clline says
I believe the theory goes much deeper than a COVID lock down..it’s called getting control of our Canadian population..and breaking their backs and their bank accounts so they become totally dependent on this Liberal Gov’t which once everyone is as low as they can go, the gov’t has the power to do anything they want with Canadians and our country and our own personal property..I know it sounds unbelievable, but look into some information you can fine on unlikely internet sights …like bitchute.com “Plandemic (Part 2)
and check our what Edward Snowden has to say….
I still respect other people and when I shop I wear my mask..so no one has to feel uncomfortable… but we have to start thinking for ourselves now….!!!
sylvain chabot says
Well said.
I play the game to wearing my mask.
One wise man(Félix Leclerc) once said “ the best way to kill a man is to pay him for doing nothing“; therefore controlling his , her income ,thus making them obedient …
sylvain chabot says
Thanks for sharing the Light.
Its funny how people still like to relate stuff to Trump.
Well , guess what ; in 2011 a young USA girl was on TV for showing how all president of the USA was related to king John of England.Well, not that I like Trump or anything but something tells me that( as a theory) he his not related to that “blue blood elite“.
Why I talk about Trump? because he was use as a distraction. As long as we all agree that Trump is the problem its ok.
When Trump talked about chloroquine to prevently treatment the whole system of media riducilised him and call him a lunectic.Well gess what???Dr Didier Raoult microbiologist specialist state that chloroquine is safe and help and its been prescribe for the last 50 years or so to prevent malaira infection for those travelling to Africa or India.
If I have the choice to believe in either corporated media or a professional Dr, I choose the MD.
Colleen Misner says
Wow, Jack, this letter has been kicking around since at least the 15th of October. What took you so long to publish this one? I can’t wait to read the comments – and your responses to your avid readers!
Publisher: Got a driver’s license yet?
Carolyn Madge says
Jack, this is nothing new. This guy has about as much credibility as Trump’s friend Dr. Atlas – which in my humble opinion is pretty much none. There are all kinds of doctors from the good, the bad and the ugly just as in any other profession. This fellow may have a Dr. designation but it doesn’t make him best in class. It may be time to move on if this is the best you have to offer.
Publisher: Nice to hear from you mom.
It is so easy to declare people as quacks when they walk like a duck – but – I think you will agree both you and I do not have the credentials to challenge a doctor or the doctor you have in Oliver who says nothing and is hiding behind their computer screen.
I find the debate intriguing. Does the population of Oliver want to follow like lemmings or sheep – or do some want to think a bit differently. I meet them every day.
I wear a mask when asked to do so. I do NPT wear a mask while riding my horse, driving a car or walking down the street. Some do – that is there choice – there freedom.
But no one has the right to tell me I have to get a vaccine or adhere to the parts of my life that are mine.
Mike Heenan says
If you’re going to print letters such as this as in all good science, then the writer needs to show the data to back up his assertion. Paragraph 4 states “epidemiological evidence clearly shows that the “pandemic” is over and no second wave will follow. The evidence has been available for at least 4-5 months and is irrefutable.2-4” If the 2-4 hint at footnotes, none are visible.
An onslaught of other references from “Montréal’s medical officer” to “400 Belgian doctors” to “The Canadian media reports” ask us to assume that somewhere there is data to back up these claims.
Without referencing any of the supporting studies and papers you do your readers a disservice and further fuel the doubts that undermine the efforts being made to manage this virus.
Publisher: I invite all the readers that do not enjoy ODN to leave the room and turn off the radio.
Please move on to CNN – 24 hours a day of fear. Or go to CBC for coverage of all things bad and very little new, positive or inspiring.
Has BC done a better job with Covid than Ontario or Quebec. Yes. Have the people of Manitoba been celebrating a lot, kissin’ and huggin’ – seems so.
In the area that we live IH – population has not changed much – 22 hospitals – about 750 thousand people from Princeton to Williams Lake – Revelstoke to Cranbrook – Nelson to Trail to Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton
Same 3 people dead. I do believe those were Covid related. Hundreds got the cold, Hundreds got the flu – its a miracle – all of them recovered.
Why is the number higher in Fraser Health ? If I told you – you would call me a racist. So I won’t tell you.
Brian Dunn says
I would argue, that, since this letter was first published October 15th we are indeed well into the second wave and that the pandemic is far from over. This refutes the last two points of his argument.
Dr Malthouse is a family doctor and strong proponent of homeopathic remedies.
I would invite anyone reading his letter to research his assertions, especially the Great Barrington Declaration (written by a Donald Trump supporting think tank) before accepting any of his conclusions.
Publisher: It is a new surge Brian. Wave is an old word. Check all the PR stuff – we have to get with the propaganda machine. It is another surge. A bit like the war in Iraq. We have to get on board with the lingo. Follow the leaders.
Ring around the rose’s
Ron Becker says
It’s sad when people believe the media over the facts by qualified doctors.
Paul Eby says
Most likely will fall on deaf ears. We need more letters like this presented to our health officials.
Keith Johnson says
This undated letter appears to have been written in mid-October 2020 (see the internet). His observations are quite revealing (if true). I would be interested in reading the Government’s response and the efficacy of his opinions.
I have to say the latest Government announcements on Thursday have sowed even more seeds of confusion, certainly in me, which may cause the opposite of the desired affect.
Carolyn Tipler says
Good point Keith like you I would like to read the Government’s or Dr. Henry’s response to this letter. Personally I think it is important that they do respond – this letter has been circulated widely.
John P Hack says
Check the facts, Eg, Sweden, New Zealand, yes I admit this is like building a plane from scratch while flying it as one builds it. So again lets not be a messanger of “FAUX News, even real people cant get it figured out, as a spcies we supposedly landed on the Moon, and we cant figure out whether to wear a mask or not, REALLY?? Got to just scratch my head, sadly I have lost a family member to it. AND I DO WEAR A MASK!
Sandra Shaw says
I congratulate Stephen Malthouse for courageously speaking out about what is fact vs fear-based, sensationalized misrepresentation of the Covid-19 virus. Thank you Dr. Malthouse for stating the facts, addressing the incomprehensible approach to ‘protecting’ our seniors and stigmatizing various people groups based on inaccurate testing methods and presumed non-factual outcomes. More voices such as yours and your colleagues need to be heard.
Helene Godin says
I vote for Dr Henry.
And I follow what my two daughters in the health care sector tell me to do. This Dr Malthouse should move to the USA, as his beliefs seem to be what has created the situation in that country.