. .
In the midst of a surge in COVID-19 cases a B. . C.. . The nurse wants the province to use fine anti-maskers who continue to hold regular unmasked rallies despite a mask mandate in the province and a public health ordinance that bans social gatherings.
« I think it’s time for them to step up and break this up, » Kim Carlson told Global News on Sunday.
The nurse who works at Fraser Health said she has encountered frequent organized and « unregulated » anti-mask protests in Vancouver, where she lives.
Carlson said everyone, from the health worker to the average citizen, is frustrated with 2020 and the COVID-19 fatigue that comes with it – but it’s a slap in the face that certain people appear to be exempt from pandemic restrictions, if from all others are expected to follow the rules.
« People have seen so many casualties this year and that is no excuse for a group to collect and break public health contracts, » Carlson said.
Eighty-six people have died of COVID-19 in B.. C.. . in December alone. Active cases in the province and hospital stays have continued to set daily records for the past few weeks.
Saturday’s anti-mask rally was spearheaded by former Canucks anthem singer Mark Donnelly, who was fired on Twitter by team owner Francesco Aquilini on Friday, hours after a report from Vancouver Sun of Donnelly’s new and controversial news Appearance.
Continue reading:
B.. . C.. . extends the ban on social gatherings until Jan. . 8, restriction of Christmas and New Years events
« You have the power to influence public behavior and that is what we need to fight this pandemic, » said Renu Bakshi of Renu Bakshi Communications.
“When you have an extension of your team, a high profile member of your team who violates your security message by participating in an anti-mask rally, you need to act decisively and quickly. ”
While Canadians have a right to peaceful protest, B. . C.. . The Public Security Minister and Attorney General said the police also have the power to enforce COVID-19 rules if the situation escalates.
« They’ll give people a ticket if, for example, they’ve been told to go along or disperse, and they don’t, » Mike Farnworth told Global News.
Vancouver police said no tickets were issued and no arrests were made at the anti-mask rally on Saturday.
« You’re already excited about a situation, and ticketing or arrests can sometimes make that crowd worse. « . ”
Carlson told Global News that she understands the security challenges for police in enforcing protests, but believes that there should be ramifications for people who intentionally choose to collect without a mask – and Dr.. . Bonnie Henry shares her frustration.
In some ways, it’s really a slap in the face, « the provincial health officer said Monday.
« It increases the indignation factor, especially when I know that there are people who work in our health system day and night. ”
Farnworth has been blunt in his message to the small minority of anti-mask activists, anti-vaccine activists, and conspiracy theorists.
« They are the problem and the sooner we turn this curve down, the sooner we get COVID under control, then they can return to their narcissistic, self-indulgent ways – but until then they have no right to public health endanger. ”
Vancouver Canucks, Mark Donnelly, Francesco Aquilini
World News – CA – « It’s time for you to step up and break this open »: B. . C.. . Nurse frustrated with anti-mask rallies
Ref: https://globalnews.ca