. . World News – CA – Nurse loses patience with « unfair » anti-mask demonstrations in B. . C.. .

British Columbians need to work together as a « huge team » to prevent COVID-19 from overwhelming our health systems and destroying our families, says Kim Carlson.

Allowing anti-mask protests despite a public health ordinance against public gatherings is a slap in the face of healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, says a nurse.

Like many health facilities, Fraser Health Hospital, where Kim Carlson works, is in the middle of an outbreak.

« People don’t know what it is like for health workers right now, » she said. “To see how numerous people die from COVID. It’s heartbreaking. ”

Carlson said the influx of sick people from nursing homes has been devastating: “Imagine a family losing a couple of parents or grandparents in a matter of days. ”

« The public doesn’t see how scared we are, » she said. “We live with the constant fear of getting it and spreading it. ”

Carlson said the weekend anti-mask protests in Vancouver were unfair to those who obey public health regulations.

“We all suffer. But letting these protests go on without ticketing throws us in the face, ”she said. “It feels disrespectful to people who have COVID or who have lost loved ones. ”

In a statement from Vancouver Police Const. Tania Visintin said VPD officials « support people’s right to peaceful protest because it is their democratic right – whether or not they agree with what is being protested. ”

Officials must exercise discretion in balancing a citizen’s right to peaceful protest with the current potential harm of gatherings.

« Mass arrests are not possible or desirable, » said Visintin. “Ticketing and arrests could escalate an already passionate situation and when there are larger groups of people the risk of injury to both protesters and police officers increases. ”

But she added that the position of the VPD does not guarantee anyone special privileges during a protest. “The bottom line is that people who violate public health regulations could get a ticket. ”

The City of Vancouver responded to a request from Postmedia News with a statement clarifying that enforcing physical distancing in public with penalties is the responsibility of the provincial government. City officials are responsible for ensuring compliance at the city’s beaches, parks, bars, restaurants, and businesses that provide personalized services.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks have confirmed they broke up with the team’s anthem singer, Mark Donnelly, after he announced he would sing « O Canada » at an anti-mask rally.

B. . C.. . The 2020 Christmas Freedom Rally was scheduled for Saturday afternoon outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, which hosted numerous anti-mask rallies throughout the pandemic, often attended by a number of anti-mask and anti-vaccine advocates, conspiracy theorists and others Advocates attended. correct numbers.

Carlson said British Columbians must work together as a « huge team » to prevent COVID-19 from overwhelming the health system and destroying our families.

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Vancouver, Protest