Thread by @TehseenLadha

Here are my initial thoughts on the announcement today.
YES I’m relieved measures are finally being implemented.
BUT they’re a hodgepodge of rules that still pander to the unvaccinated and are difficult to understand (see @UbakaOgbogu tweet), let alone implement: 🧵 1/n

1.The only ABSOLUTE restriction is for indoor social gatherings (10 max for vaxxed, no for unvaxxed) which is essentially unenforceable.

2.Other measures have a RESTRICTION EXEMPTION which means unvaccinated citizens can participate with a private negative test - MAJOR equity issues AND won’t drive our vaccination numbers up sufficiently.

3.Restrictions on indoor events such as weddings, sporting events etc = GOOD. Restriction exemptions for these large events=RISKY. This may have worked well 2 months ago but rn we can’t afford to have large (potentially superspreader) events. We simply have no room in hospitals.

4.Work from home order = GOOD. Allowing people to unmask if they are distanced/have a physical barrier = RISKY. COVID is airborne. A physical barrier and 2 m won’t magically stop the spread. @caruzycki has more to say on this

5.Schools: masks mandatory Gr 4-12 school cohorts = GOOD. No mandatory masking <Gr 4, no tracing/mandatory quarantine in schools, no upgraded ventilation = RISKY. COVID will spread quickly in those <12. High attack rates mean more serious outcomes and long COVID in kids.

Will this change our course? Likely.
Will it stop exponential growth? Unsure. @GosiaGasperoPhD your thoughts?
Will it change it quickly enough to stop much more suffering and preventable deaths? No. @PopAlberta
#COVID19 #abpoli #IntentionallyCruelWave /fin

Oh ps. A REAL apology and some accountability would have been nice.