‘A little nervous’: Experts question politics behind lifting COVID-19 restrictions

Experts say Canadian provinces shouldn't ignore scientific evidence related to COVID-19 as they aim to lift public health measures.

As provinces across Canada start to lift COVID-19 restrictions, some experts are questioning whether public health decisions are being made based on medical data or politics.

Ontario’s three-phase reopening plan that stretches into mid-March is underway, with proof of vaccination and masking to remain in place as capacity limits widen and more businesses reopen.

Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have also laid out plans to lift public COVID-19 health measures over the course of the next month or so.

But Saskatchewan and Alberta are aiming to end all COVID-19 restrictions.

Epidemiologist Timothy Sly says even though the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the mental health and lives of Canadians, it’s still not reasonable enough to ignore scientific evidence.

“Hospital rates, ICU rates, wastewater rates, if they’re going down and they have been for the last three weeks, then we can look forward to taking a few more steps (in lifting restrictions),” said Sly.

But in the Prairies, the hospitalizations have only just started to decline.

“If politics chooses not to listen to that, then I think we’re a little nervous,” said Sly.