Amid multiple massive Freedom Convoys throughout Canada, the Western provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan have become first provinces to end COVID-19 vaccine passports.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney on Tuesday announced an end to the vaccine passport system in Alberta, effective midnight last night.
At an evening news conference, Kenney said the restriction exemption program has served its purpose, but is no longer needed since Alberta passed peak of Omicron infections about three weeks ago.
“The threat of COVID-19 to public health no longer outweighs the hugely damaging impact of health restrictions on our society,” said Kenney, adding his government would only move forward if it does not threaten the capacity of the health-care system.
Capacity limits were also nixed Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. for venues with capacity limits under 500, including libraries and places of worship.
Alberta premier Jason Kenney announced that the province would be phasing out COVID restrictions effective immediately.
Read more: https://t.co/nr3NopQQXg pic.twitter.com/CSCVwr5Xhb
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 9, 2022
Starting next week, Alberta will also no longer require youth to be masked in schools, and children aged 12 and under will not be required to be masked in any setting.
Albertans no longer need to show their proof of vaccination to dine in restaurants or sit in entertainment venues. As of Monday, masking requirements will be lifted for students of all ages. pic.twitter.com/bDpxrH2TOp
— Camus (@newstart_2024) February 9, 2022
Not to be outdone, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced on Tuesday that the province will begin scrapping COVID-19 restrictions—starting with vaccine mandate—effective at 12:01 a.m. on February 14.
During a news conference on February 8, Moe said, “Today, with Omicron, the benefits of the proof of vaccination policy no longer outweigh the costs.”
The premier noted that COVID-19 vaccine mandates have caused divisions in families and communities in Saskatchewan, as well as across the wider country.
“This policy most certainly has run its course,” he continued, adding that it’s “time to heal the divisions in our communities over vaccination.”
It's time to heal the divisions over vaccination in our families, in our communities and in our province.
Today, we announced the end of the proof of vaccination/negative test policy effective February 14, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. pic.twitter.com/dvLuY9viHr
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) February 8, 2022
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney on Wednesday called on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to end federal travel restrictions, including including 72 hour Pre-departure PCR testing for Canadians, arrivals testing and isolation, quarantining for children under five years old, and the global travel advisory.
Kenney said the mandates are “ineffective, and “have to go.”
I'm calling on @JustinTrudeau to get rid of federal travel restrictions, including:
📌 72-hour pre-departure testing
📌 arrivals testing and isolation; and
📌 quarantining for kids under 5.
These ineffective mandates have to go.
📽 WATCH ⬇ pic.twitter.com/RegP1pH9gt
— Jason Kenney 🇨🇦🇺🇦🇮🇱 (@jkenney) February 9, 2022
In the United States, as we approach the midterm elections, even Democrat politicians are pivoting away from draconian COVID restrictions, sensing that the public has grown weary of the assaults on their freedom.
Public health officials however appear to be going in the opposite direction, still recommending that children remain masked at school, and recommending “proof of vaccination” for public settings.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday that because COVID is still causing hospitalizations and deaths, it has not amended its guidance on masking schoolchildren.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky Says: The agency continues to "recommend masking in schools for everyone and "masking in public indoor settings." pic.twitter.com/Kfi9kw0Mdq
— Camus (@newstart_2024) February 9, 2022
When asked about proof-of-vaccination requirements for public settings on Wednesday, NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci said: “Is one of the important ways to keep the indoor environment safe.” “I Support It.”
Fauci about proof-of-vaccination requirements for public settings: "Is one of the important ways to keep the indoor environment safe." "I Support It." pic.twitter.com/hwfBq1egUk
— Camus (@newstart_2024) February 9, 2022