A small group gathered in Victoria Saturday to protest against public health measures designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
There were about eight people on the western edge of the B.C. legislature lawn holding signs with phrases such as “COVID doesn’t cancel civil rights,” and “Media propagates fear and lies! Do your homework!”
Those taking part had travelled from different parts of the Island, including Sooke, Duncan and Nanaimo.
The small group said they’re concerned about the restrictions placed on daily life as a result of the novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 3,400 people in Canada and infected more than 55,000.
There have been 123 reported cases on Vancouver Island, including two new cases Saturday. Four deaths have been attributed to the virus.
Members of the group said they were joining with those protesting in Vancouver, where there have been several demonstrations, and across the country.
Karin Forrest came from Duncan to join after seeing a Facebook post about the event, because she’s worried that the global health pandemic could lead to long-term losses of rights for Canadians.
“I never thought I’d see the day when I watched things disappear so fast,” she said.
“I don’t feel that the government is justified in putting us into isolation for our health. I actually think that they don’t have sufficient evidence to support their move.”
Others in the group echoed Forrest’s sentiment that those who are not in higher risk groups should be able to return to work, school and regular life.
“Let the strong out,” said Michelle Rondquist of Sooke.
Dr. Bonnie Henry has emphasized in her daily updates about the spread of the virus that people with compromised immune systems cannot be kept safe in isolation if everyone else continues on as normal.
The virus has been shown to spread quickly within communities and allowing the majority of the population to increase their contacts heightens the risk to everyone, including those mostly likely to die.
Public health officials have also said that the virus can seriously affect younger people and those without compromised immune systems.
Henry said Saturday that the measures implemented in B.C. have not been as severe as in some other provinces.
“If we look at what we have put in place and the orders and restrictions in B.C., they have not been as draconian, you might say, as some other places,” she said.
Premier John Horgan is expected to announce details this week on how the province will begin to reopen.
Henry urged everyone to continue following public health recommendations as gradual reopening measures are introduced.
“We cannot afford any missteps as we look to ease our restrictions in the coming days and weeks,” she said.
In B.C., 114 people have died of COVID-19.
The protesters said they plan to return next weekend to continue their demonstration.
regan-elliott@timescolonist.com
— With files from The Canadian Press
