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Vax card protesters take over streets near Kelowna General Hospital

Around 1,000 people have gathered in opposition of B.C.’s recently announced vaccine card program

Roughly 1,000 people have taken to the streets out front of Kelowna General Hospital on Wednesday afternoon in protest of provincial health measures regarding COVID-19, specifically the recently announced vaccine card program.

The event began around 1 p.m. The large and aggressive crowd has taken over most sidewalks surrounding the hospital and several cars are driving by blaring their horns. Throughout the event, people were chanting “freedom.”

At one point, a group of nurses counter-protested the rally, locking arms at the hospital’s entrance and reiterating that they were not part of the crowd and that they didn’t support the protest.

Premier John Horgan and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the new measures on Aug. 30, citing statistics that show 90 per cent of new coronavirus cases are in people who haven’t been fully vaccinated.

The vaccine card comes into effect with one dose being required for entry into many non-essential businesses including indoor ticketed events, bars and restaurants and fitness centres as of Sept. 13. As of Oct. 24, patrons will be required to be fully vaccinated.

READ MORE: Call police on COVID-19 vaccination card refusers, B.C.’s John Horgan says

READ MORE: Jab appointments triple after B.C. vaccine card announced


@michaelrdrguez
michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com

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