Two organizers arrested
Police have thrown up a massive cordon around much of downtown Ottawa, as they attempt to prevent more protesters from joining the truckers’ demonstration that’s paralyzed the capital for three weeks.
Only those who work or live in the area will be allowed through.
Several people have been arrested, including two of the main organizers, Chris Barber and Tamara Lich.
Police haven’t confirmed the arrests, but other protest organizers say they’ll be charged with mischief.
Ottawa’s interim police chief, Steve Bell, says action against the demonstrators is imminent, and officers are prepared to use force, if necessary.
Coronavirus restrictions
Ontario’s chief medical officer of health says the worst of the Omicron wave of COVID-19 infections is behind us, and his office will decide by mid-March whether to continue requirements to wear face masks in public spaces.
Doctor Kieran Moore adds that vaccination policies for workers aren’t necessary any longer, they may be lifted as of March 1st, the same day that the government plans to halt proof of vaccination now needed for admission to most indoor businesses.
Moore says he would not want to implement strict controls again, should a new COVID-9 variant emerge.
He’s confident the province has the hospital capacity and the testing policies needed to keep it under control.
Remote learning here to stay?
The provincial government is telling school boards that they must offer online learning as an option for the next school year.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the government’s policy is to keep children in school, for their educational, social, and mental well-being.
But he adds more than 150-thousand students picked the online option this year and they’d like to continue next year.
Lecce adds standardized E-Q-A-O testing will resume next year for students in Grades Three and Six.
