RALLY? JUST STAY HOME
The choice to attend a mass gathering without wearing a mask, or keeping proper distance, is a choice that is not in keeping with Saskatchewan's spirit of community and taking care of our neighbours.
We echo the words of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, who told those planning to attend a weekend rally to “give your head a shake.”
“It is time to rally our efforts to save lives, to work together, to support our health-care workers who are fighting to keep us alive right now.”
Words, however, are not enough. There must be consequences for those who are flagrantly disregarding public health orders to gather without masks and apparently without concern for fellow citizens.
A rally on Dec. 5 in Saskatoon did not result in any fines. Just two were issued last weekend at the “freedom” rally at the legislature in Regina. This does not indicate that officials are serious about enforcement of restrictions the province has laid out. If our leaders want residents to keep the strict rules that will stop families from gathering during the holidays, they need to make that clear in response to marches that contravene public health orders.
Free speech is an important principle. It is possible, however, to express one's opinions without gathering in a manner that could cause spread of the virus and potentially put lives at risk. When hateful, prejudicial messages are sent out, as they were at the Regina rally on Saturday, we must take a stand against such ignorance.
The fact that chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab was taunted as a “foreigner” is reprehensible. Make no mistake, attending a rally means a show of support for this ugly brand of racism.
Of course, a message from a media source recommending people not attend these gatherings could be seen as a call to action for many in that crowd. Reporters were also attacked for doing their jobs and reporting on events. This anti-media rhetoric is exasperating. Journalists have been working flat out for nine months to challenge the government and gather trusted information about the pandemic. Their jobs have never been more important.
The threat of COVID-19 is real. The death count is rising. Case numbers are the highest they have been since the pandemic began. This is a fact — not a hoax or something to be minimized due to the discomfort of the personal sacrifices we're all making.
The misinformation and fear stoked by the “freedom” rallies is clearly a threat to the health of our citizens, and to ensuring we have a tolerant atmosphere in which all citizens can live.