‘Why rush it?’: Alberta doctor says decision to lift COVID-19 measures premature
Posted Feb 10, 2022 4:28 pm.
Last Updated Feb 10, 2022 4:29 pm.
A doctor says the Alberta government’s decision to lift COVID-19 public health measures is premature and will further risk the health and safety of residents.
Premier Jason Kenney announced Tuesday a plan to phase out all pandemic restrictions, which started with his removing a requirement to show a vaccine passport to get into non-essential businesses.
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Dr. Paul Parks, president of the Alberta Medical Association’s emergency medicine section, says hospitalizations remain high and he’s concerned the province is not following the best public health advice.
Parks says Kenney’s decision could be seen to signal to Albertans that the pandemic is no longer as dangerous and lead to an increase in infections and hospitalizations.
School districts, municipalities and businesses have expressed dismay, relief and confusion at the plan and have noted that there was little to no consultation with them.
“It should be concerning to people who are vaccinated — and people who aren’t — that our public health policies and decisions now are being driven behind closed doors by political decisions, as opposed to best practices, science and expert advice,” Parks said Thursday.
“We are getting closer to being in a position where life can return to some form of normal, but why rush it?”
