Thousands of protesters disperse into downtown Vancouver neighbourhoods

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Hundreds of protesters forced a major road closure in Vancouver for hours Wednesday afternoon, over their opposition to the vaccine passport.

Shortly after 1 p.m., drivers were told by Vancouver Police to avoid the area of Cambie Street at 12th Avenue as hundreds of people marched between City Hall and Vancouver General Hospital.

Traffic to the hospital was also heavily impacted by the protesters, as was bus service along the busy route.

They then moved towards the Cambie Street Bridge shortly after 3 p.m., leading to further headaches for drivers and first responders.

Around 4 p.m. protesters seem to be near Thurlow Street and W Cordova Street.

Please avoid Cambie Bridge during a a ‘Health Freedom’ protest taking place now. Large group has taken to the streets and marching towards downtown. pic.twitter.com/C9VHk9qTJb

— Howard Chow (@DeputyChow) September 1, 2021

It’s unclear at this time where they intend to end up.

Vancouver Police are on scene and appear to be monitoring the situation, no word if any arrests have been made.

This is a healthcare worker’s view from Vancouver General Hospital of protestors demonstrating against public health measures. pic.twitter.com/IUBjsaTo8G

— Crystal Laderas (@CrisLaderas) September 1, 2021

People demonstrating are against the province’s COVID-19 vaccine passport, which will go into effect on Sept. 13.

They are holding signs and demanding “their freedom” back.

12th and Cambie completely blocked by protest in Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/KdOqVs0T36

— Lasia Kretzel (@rhymeswpretzel) September 1, 2021

Vancouver is the site of one of dozens of protests being held nationwide Wednesday.

In B.C., rallies have been planned to take place near the Victoria Hospital Foundation and in Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital.