BOWDEN, Alta. – Thousands of people flocked to a rodeo in Bowden, Alberta over the weekend despite current public health restrictions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Premier Jason Kenney called the mass gathering a “slap in the face” to all Albertans who have been following the rules to keep fellow Albertans safe.
Kenney took to Twitter over the weekend to express his disappointment, saying “gatherings like these are a threat to public health”.
We are all sick of this. We all want it to end. Thousands of Albertans are following the rules, sacrificing travel and social gatherings to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
— Jason Kenney ???????????????????????? (@jkenney) May 2, 2021
“We are all sick of this. We all want it to end. Thousands of Albertans are following the rules, sacrificing travel and social gatherings to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” he wrote.
“I’m angered and saddened to see so many people selfishly put themselves ahead of others. Rodeo celebrates Alberta’s Western heritage, a key part of which is our community spirit and looking out for others, especially the vulnerable. That’s the opposite of what these folks are doing.”
On a personal note, I'm angered and saddened to see so many people selfishly put themselves ahead of others. Rodeo is celebrates Alberta’s Western heritage, a key part of which is our community spirit and looking out for others, especially the vulnerable.
— Jason Kenney ???????????????????????? (@jkenney) May 2, 2021
He says the more people flout health guidelines from the province the longer the pandemic will last.
If we do not begin to bend the curve, our health care system could very well be overwhelmed in a matter of weeks.
— Jason Kenney ???????????????????????? (@jkenney) May 2, 2021
He also urged people living in the province to get vaccinated when they become eligible and to continue following the rules in place.
