March 10, 2022 Masks Mandate Ends

It was a moment many of us have been waiting for.

Dr. Bonnie Henry made the announcement – masks will no longer be mandatory indoors in the Province of BC as of midnight March 10. It has been met with relief and anticipation. 

It was two years ago this week that the pandemic shut down the world. We had no idea it would be 722 days later the health authorities would finally be lifting the restrictions we have lived under for such a long time. 

In addition to removing the mandates around wearing masks, our chief medical officer also announced that as of April 8, 2022, vaccine passports will no longer be required. People will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination to enter into many places in the province. A great many people rejoice at the removal of these divisive requirements.

Some do not.

And that is ok, it is their right to continue to wear a mask. People have a right to disagree with the lifting of the restrictions but the vast majority of people I have spoken to think it is time to move forward.

It’s time to get on with our lives.

In spite of, or perhaps partially because of all the protests that took place in Canada, we are seeing the lifting of mandates across the country. Many other parts of the world have also lifted restrictions. The decision has been made – it’s time to learn to live with our viral foe.

Unfortunately, there is still some hesitation and fear in the world. 

I went to buy cat food and forgot my mask at home. Why would that matter? It was only a few hours before we were told we didn’t need to wear a mask. So I went to the door and asked if I could come inside – no, I could not enter without a mask. Despite what Dr. Henry said earlier in the day the veterinarian’s office was still asking people to wear a mask for another two weeks. The lady behind the desk told me they were keeping it enforced, just in case they went back to having to wear masks again. They didn’t want people to get used to not wearing masks…

There is no way they can go backward again – can they?

Questions still linger.

My daughter still has to wear a mask to school until after spring break. Federal facilities like airports and airplanes will still require masks. It’s the inconsistencies and lack of common rules and common sense that has created so much confusion and resentment these last two years.

And it’s not over.

But we are so very close. 

I for one will not be wearing a mask anymore. I want people to see me smile and not the scary clown smile I’ve worn for too long. I want to see other people smile as well.

I’m so very happy to see people’s faces again. 

But I won’t begrudge those that want to keep wearing a mask. We all need to unite together again and find the kindness that lies within us all. 

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone smile again.