V. S. Wells | The Georgia Straight
A new COVID-19 protection advocacy group is staging a protest on Friday to demand the return of universal masking in healthcare settings like hospitals and long-term care.
DoNoHarm BC, which was created in response to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s decision to drop masks in healthcare settings on April 6, is hosting a die-in outside Health Minister Adrian Dix’s constituency office at noon.
BC’s budget and fiscal report covers a “three year fiscal plan” for housing, sustainability, and healthcare. The report states, “As the funding for pandemic contingencies are set to wind down by the end of 2023/24, it is anticipated that the Ministry of Health will wind down or integrate any services…”
As of April 8, 2024, masks are “no longer required in healthcare settings” in BC. This decision comes after data showing decreased COVID-19 levels in the province. However, COVID-19 hasn’t suddenly become less dangerous, nor has it disappeared.
On April 28, DoNoHarm BC hosted a non-violent die-in protest in front of health minister Adrian Dix’s office to protest the removal of mandatory masks in healthcare settings.
It’s billed as “Vancouver’s annual COVID-safer festival”. Organizers have scheduled the immune-inclusive Clean Air Festival in Slocan Park (2750 East 29th Avenue) next Sunday (September 15).
After 2023, funding for COVID-related services is set to end in BC. The problem is, COVID-19 is still here. Read DoNoHarm BC’s op-ed in the Georgia Straight.
A ‘Do No Harm BC’ protest was held outside of B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix’s office calling on the provincial government to re-instate mandatory masking in healthcare settings.
