Alberta and Saskatchewan are the first provinces in Canada to repeal vaccine passport programs and other COVID-19 rules. Alberta’s vaccine passport system will be phased out at midnight on Tuesday. Premier Jason Kenney declared that this would be the first of a series of public health restrictions to be lifted. The mask rule for youngsters in Alberta will be lifted on Monday, according to Kenney.
On March 1, all indoor masking regulations will be repealed. All events with a capacity of less than 500 people will be exempt from capacity restrictions. Strong vaccination rates, as well as declines in the Omicron variant dissemination and hospital rates, he said, contributed to the closure of the limitation exemption program. “As the disease evolves, our approach to COVID must evolve as well,” Kenney added. COVID-19 hospitalizations are now at 1,623 in Alberta, with 129 in intensive care units.
Premier Kenney claims that the recent “freedom convoy” protests influenced his decision. Saskatchewan will no longer require negative tests or confirmation of immunization beginning Feb. 14. Premier Scott Moe also announced that by the end of the month, self-isolation for positive tests and indoor mask restrictions will be abolished. He stated a “blend” of science and individuals from around the province informed his decision.
Quebec and Prince Edward Island also have COVID-19 limits that are being phased in. With the exception of mask rules and the vaccination passport, Quebec wants to repeal most regulations by March 14. The lifting of gathering limits and required masking regulations is planned for the beginning of April on Prince Edward Island. P.E.I. Premier Dennis King said at a press conference on Tuesday that “this is not a pronouncement that COVID is over, that COVID will vanish, that we are standing here saying, ‘Mission done,'” COVID is with us now and will be with us in the future.
