Immunocompromised Albertans concerned with provincial rollback of COVID-19 health measures
Posted August 2, 2021 4:28 pm.
Last Updated August 3, 2021 6:14 am.
CALGARY (CityNews) – Immunocompromized Albertans who are unable to get COVID-19 vaccinations are speaking out against the government’s decision on removing public health orders.
Nina Busuego received a heart and double lung transplant in 2019, and because of the medication she’s on, the COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t offer much protection for her.
“It literally feels like just go ahead and you’re on your own and if you die then you die,” she explained.
“The vaccines are not as effective because of those immunosuppressants that I take, so I virtually have no protection from the coronavirus even though I am double vaccinated.”
She’s one of many people left vulnerable to COVID-19, so she’s now speaking out against the government’s decision to lift universal testing, isolation, and masking requirements by mid-august.
“Why are they completely removing everything we need to protect ourselves?”
Monday marks the fourth day of protests in Calgary and Edmonton calling out the governments’ decision to remove essentially all health measures.
Monday’s protest in Calgary had a large focus on children — many who will return to school next month without vaccines, or mask mandates.
A protester who spoke to CityNews said he fears for his son.
“I know his teachers are great and they will still wear masks anyways, it’s unfortunate they won’t get any help from the province – but yeah we’re definitely worried. He’s in an old school as well so there’s not great air circulation,” he said.
“You have to protect yourself because now no one else is protecting you,” said Dr. Gosia Gasperowitz. Adding students and parents now need to advocate for proper ventilation, obligatory masking, and partial online learning – and she says we will see spread in schools come fall.
“Yeah, there is no question about it, with no protection or public health measures,” added Dr. Gasperowitz.
The protests are planned to continue every day until the government reverses its decision.
