Learning to live with COVID-19 as the restrictions are lifted one by one
As many of us are fed up with living with pandemic restrictions there are also a significant population whose life depends on the rest of us being cautious around them. The vulnerable among us, people who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed need these restrictions to be lifted with a lot of consideration so they can continue to enjoy their freedom outside of their homes. They don’t have the luxury of putting our guard down like others as the consequences of getting ill with COVID would be life threatening for them. They are the cancer patients, the organ transplant recipients, the multiple sclerosis patients or impacted with rare genetic disorders which makes them vulnerable.
According the Statistics Canada data from 2020 people with compromised immune system make up roughly one in seven Canadians age 15 and over. This is a significant ratio of our society which should make us pause and think. While we are enjoying our freedoms we should not put our neighbour's or tecaher's life at risk or lock them at their homes because we are not careful around them.
Protecting the vulnerable becomes everyone's job as the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted
Our recommendation is to continue to exercise caution and follow the most basic rules of protecting yourself and others. Use the tools that we have learned and mastered the last two years, especially indoors, healthcare or care facilities, or crowded public spaces. Ask others around you if they prefer that you wear a mask, especially if you see them wearing one.
Respect and protect others like you would for your grandparents.
Here are the most recent COVID-19 rules across Canada
B.C.
There are no capacity limits for restaurants, bars and large gatherings such as weddings. Masks are still required in indoor public settings, but Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday she is hopeful that more restrictions may be lifted by mid-March. Passport requirements are still in effect, but B.C. is considering removing the passport for indoor events earlier than the planned expiry date at the end of June, Dr. Henry said.
Alberta
Lifted its mask mandate and withdrew capacity limits for indoor and outdoor social gatherings March 1. The province’s passport system ended Feb. 9.
Saskatchewan
The province’s remaining public-health orders, including wearing masks indoors and having to self-isolate following a positive COVID-19 test, were all discontinued on March 1.
Manitoba
The province lifted its proof of vaccination requirement for public places on March 1. It plans to end its mask mandate by March 15.
Ontario
The province’s vaccine passport requirement, indoor capacity limits and restrictions on social gatherings all expired on March 1. A mask mandate remains in effect.
Quebec
All remaining proof of vaccine passport requirements and capacity limits on bars, restaurants, funerals and weddings will be lifted March 12, two days ahead of schedule, Health Minister Christian Dubé said this week. Quebec’s mask mandate will be lifted for all public places except mass transit by mid-April at the latest, the province’s Health Department said.
New Brunswick
All pandemic-related restrictions and mandates will be lifted March 14.
Nova Scotia
As of Feb. 28, proof of vaccination is not required at restaurants, bars, sporting events, gyms and other events and activities.
P.E.I.
Eliminated its Vax Pass requirement on Feb. 28. Capacity limits for gatherings will increase March 17, and all capacity limits and masking requirements are expected to lift April 7.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Effective March 14, there will be no restrictions for businesses or other settings, and wearing a non-medical mask in indoor public settings will be encouraged but not required.
Yukon
Wearing a mask in indoor public places and showing proof of vaccination are both still required. Capacity limits are still in effect.
North West Territories
Mask-wearing in indoor public spaces is still required under public-health orders.
Nunavut
The territory eased restrictions last month to allow outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people and indoor private gatherings of up to 10 people.