We must act to oppose those who threaten public safety
We have a serious problem in our community, with people denying the virus, refusing to comply with public health recommendations, and becoming emboldened by mob activity elsewhere, forcing their ideas upon others.
There was an anti-masker mob around Duncan City Hall on Friday. Many of those people gathered later in a local cafe, disrespecting and defying the requirement of management there that all patrons wear masks. Those people put everyone in the room, and the staff of the cafe, at risk of illness or death. One of their leaders, when challenged, stood up there and proclaimed, “There is no virus.”
Such selfishness and false beliefs about COVID-19 are a public health hazard.
With denial of the pandemic and such harmful behaviour becoming more prominent and outspoken, people of good conscience in our community must stand up and be heard in opposition to it. Silence is consent. We must choose, speak and act, for the common good.
Freedom of speech is one thing. Advocating behaviour that threatens public health and safety is another.
John Mowat Steven
Duncan