Samantha Li/Staff reporter
The provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced the loosening of restrictions to British Columbia due to a drop in COVID-19 cases and an increase in the vaccination rate. As reported by Vancouver Sun, starting February 16, in-person meetings and all indoor and outdoor gatherings returned to normal, while masks and vaccine cards are required. Such an act should be re-considered and re-examined carefully.
Until now, B.C. is still in an unstable situation. According to “Some provinces are loosening COVID-19 restrictions. Here’s why” by Aya Al-Hakim, Canada’s top doctors said the number of cases and the positivity rate appear to be set to decline in general. But as the JHU CSSE COVID-19 Data indicates, there are significant day-to-day differences. 0 new cases were found on February 6, but 3287 were found on the next day, which happened again on February 13 and 14.
An online survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the B.C. Pharmacy Association shows, 56 percent of British Columbians who got their second dose of vaccine are not planning to get a booster dose, mentioned in Courtney Dickson’s news article on Global News, many think they do not see any benefits at this point.
“After six months, their existing immunization doesn’t provide as much protection as before, as their immunity from the second dose wanes,” said B.C. Pharmacy Association president Jamie Wigston.
Among all provinces in Canada, B.C has the second-lowest children(between ages 5-11) vaccination rate, at only 47 percent, according to CBC News.
NACI Chair Dr. Shelley Deeks brought up to CBC News that “due to the sheer number of children infected with the Omicron variant as it continues to spread through Canada, hospitalizations are increasing in children”. Considering the lifting of restrictions, adults are prone to become the media of transmission, which may result in infections among unvaccinated children who are much more vulnerable.
“We’re committing to reviewing them again by March 15th and letting people know where we are then, based on the data and the surveillance that we have,” Henry said, based on the news article on DH News by Rob Shaw. Expectations are a more competent and comprehensive analysis towards the situation can be reached, and B.C would take careful and gradual steps towards reopening.
Sources:
“B.C. COVID restrictions lifted: A list of what you’ll be able to do as of Feb. 16”
“COVID-19 vaccination rate among B.C. children second lowest in Canada”
“The COVID-19 vaccine booster isn’t a priority for some British Columbians. Why?”
“Why BC is bucking the Canadian trend of removing mandates and masks”
“Some provinces are loosening COVID-19 restrictions. Here’s why”
B.C. easing public health restrictions on Thursday – Prince George CitizenVisit
COVID vaccine and children: When can my child get the shot? – New West RecordVisit