Pandemic protests continue as Calgarians call for province to rethink response
Hundreds of health care workers, educators and concerned Calgarians held another protest Saturday to ask the provincial government to retool its pandemic strategy.
It was the second such event in two days.
Many on site are worried the latest reeling in of health restrictions could jeopardize safety in Alberta, and they want a pause on any action until everyone can be vaccinated.
"I'm here today because, like many other people, I can't sit on the sidelines anymore," teacher and parent Crystal Chokshi told CTV News. "Right now it's looking like (my two young daughters) might have to stay home again and be homeschooled after making so many sacrifices."
Chokshi's sentiment was a familiar one in front of the McDougall Centre.
Hundreds say they're worried an end to COVID-19 isolation periods, masking rules and contact tracing will make the upcoming school year a dangerous one.
Albertans under 12 are not eligible to be vaccinated.
"I don't know if they realize the gravity," Diane Forsyth said. "These are our children. The thought that they are being exposed is just beyond mind boggling."
The province announced on Wednesday that Alberta will be dropping mandatory health measures in mid-August. It believes the latest immunization numbers make the move possible.
The rate of severe outcomes in children who have COVID-19 is drastically lower than it is in adults.
But one medical professional argued on Saturday that there are other things at stake.
"I would invite Mr. Kenney to talk with the survivors who are still rehabilitating to get a better grasp of what it is he's setting loose on us on Aug. 16," respiratory therapist Marie Stuckel said. "Do we want full lockdowns? No. Do we want kids to be able to go to school? Yes. But let's be safe about it and let's use our heads."
Nearly 65 per cent of Albertans ages 12 and up have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The protesters say they will be back at McDougall Centre every day at noon until the province rethinks its decision.
Similar large gatherings have been held this week in Edmonton and in Lethbridge.
According to the latest virus data, which consists of the figures recorded as of July 29, there are 796 active cases of COVID-19 in the city of Calgary.
A week ago, on July 22, that number was 367.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Snow-covered bodies of 2 men from Senegal found in New York woods near Canadian border
Two men from Senegal froze to death were found in the snow of a wooded area close to the Canadian border, New York state police said.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
This historical tavern in Toronto is closing after nearly 200 years
An historic downtown Toronto bar is closing its doors next week after nearly 200 years in business.
Vancouver rapper falls on ice during Canucks game performance
The Vancouver Canucks weren’t the only ones who stumbled during Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Stars.
Niagara Region 'proactively' declares state of emergency ahead of total solar eclipse
Niagara Region says it has declared a state of emergency 'out of an abundance of caution' as it prepares for an influx of visitors for next month’s total solar eclipse.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
Social media can alter children's brains and impact mental health: neuroscientist
Neuroscientist Emma Duerden says social media can alter children's brains and have negative impacts on their mental health.