The Road to COVID Safety Brings Protests

U.S. is now at 77,516,009 total COVID cases and 915,425 deaths. A startling number that would see any government, health authority, or administration raise the alarm on vaccinations, which currently stands at 80.7%. 

With this, the U.S Department of Homeland Security set into place in mid-January that all noncitizens entering the U.S. “via border crossing or ferry terminals along the U.S. northern and southern borders must be fully vaccinated against COVID.” 

With COVID mandates now in place, this has led to a “Freedom Convoy” with many Canadian truckers [and other anti-vaccine mandate and anti-government protesters] protesting along the U.S-Canada border crossing.

CNN reports, “Thousands of truckers [and other anti-vaccine mandate and anti-government protesters] … are fighting a vaccine mandate that is forcing all Canadian truckers crossing the US-Canadian border to be fully vaccinated or face quarantine in their homes for two weeks when they return.”

While this mandate has negatively impacted businesses between America and Canada and crippled a key trade route, the move to put the mandate into place was important with efforts to reduce the spread of COVID and stop the statistics from climbing.

Supporters resisting other COVID prevention measures, including mask mandates, lockdowns, and restrictions on gatherings, have joined the truckers. Some protestors were reported as saying, “You have the vaccinations for the measles, mumps, and stuff. I’m allergic to eggs. They don’t work on me. How do you know if I got that stuff in my body, I’m not going to have an anaphylactic shock to it? Right now, because they can’t tell me for sure that it’s not going to affect me down the line, I won’t do it.”

Other protestors hoped that relevant prime ministers would find the fastest way to rid countries of mandates.

What You Need To Know: A Positive First Step 

This economic crisis, caused by the continuing protest, may be over, with the economic fallout ending soon. In the long term, border crossings cannot remain closed. Currently, there are many options on the table to resolve the matter. 

“Border crossings will soon reopen when it is safe to do so. For now, Canada-bound traffic at the bridge was still suspended, but US-bound traffic was open, according to the US Customs and Border Protection website.

Also, while much has been published on the safety of the COVID vaccination, those still opposed to the vaccine are encouraged not to protest. In such a case, protestors blocking the border crossing could face severe penalties. After all, it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people, and services along with critical infrastructure. With this, fines for non-compliance will be severe.

What About Future Protests Against COVID Mandates?

Should future protests be desired, they require permits, appropriate insurance, and public safety planning, with the applicable organizers required to follow protocol. Even protest actions from individuals are not encouraged. Previously, some protesters have been seen entering restaurants while refusing to wear a mask. All U.S. and Canadian citizens are advised to follow health and safety guidelines set out by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Further to this, laws that are designed to keep people and property protected must not be ignored.

As formerly advised on Health Canal, protests under the threat of infection may result in the medicalization of political contention in the future. Should more protests arise, the protestors need to adhere to health and safety measures, wear masks, and practice social distancing, even if they feel otherwise.

As CDC recommends:

• Masking is a critical public health tool for preventing the spread of COVID, and it is essential to remember that any mask is better than no mask, especially in protests.
• Wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.
• Wear a mask to reduce transmission of COVID when worn consistently and correctly during protest action.
• It is most important to correctly wear a well-fitted mask or respirator that is comfortable for you and provides good protection.
• Wearing a highly protective mask or respirator may be the essential step for certain higher-risk situations or by some people at increased risk for severe disease.

Those Who Didn’t Protest Are Actually Vaccinated

Most Canadians (including truckers) are vaccinated, with the country boasting the highest vaccination rates in the world. Almost 90% of the country’s truckers have been fully vaccinated and are eligible to cross the border, but those who are not vaccinated are advised to get vaccinated. 

To assist relevant parties and government authorities in keeping the border crossings and roadways open and ensuring all residents and visitors are safe and healthy and COVID free, U.S. citizens and those from Canada are advised to get vaccinated.