Bubble zones could be coming to B.C. hospitals, schools after protests
Posted October 4, 2021 11:46 am.
Last Updated October 4, 2021 12:21 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – After several massive protests spreading misinformation outside hospitals and schools in B.C. in recent weeks, the province will introduce so-called “bubble zone” legislation during the fall session at the Legislature, which gets underway Monday.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth made the announcement Monday morning.
Bubble zones would prevent protesting within a certain distance of particular buildings or services. Calls for the province to implement these so-called bubble zones around hospitals and schools had been growing over the summer, after protests against vaccine passports and other mandates were held in front of such places.
Q re mandating a bubble zone around schools and hospitals to protect them from protests.@mikefarnworthbc says it will legislation and will be introduced this session.#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130
— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 4, 2021
Calls for the province to implement so-called bubble zones around hospitals and schools had been growing over the summer, after protests against vaccine passports and other mandates were held in front of such places.
Most recently, in mid-September, schools in and around Salmon Arm were forced into a hold and secure after protesters opposing COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic policies brought their demonstrations inside the buildings.
Previously, the provincial government had said it was researching whether it could make the changes via a cabinet order
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“We’re looking at what measures might be available to government to ensure this kind of thing does not happen,” Farnworth said last month. “Blocking hospitals and schools is just not acceptable.”
It’s unclear when exactly legislation will be introduced. If or when “bubble zones” will be instated is also unclear.
