B.C.’s immunocompromised worry about easing of COVID measures

While many celebrate the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in B.C., some of our most vulnerable are expressing their concerns.

Jules Sherred is immunocompromised. The Duncan resident says while the pandemic situation has changed over the last several months, COVID-19 is still a real threat to people like him.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re vaccinated or not … it could be that much more serious for them,” he said of those who deal with immunocompromising ailments. “And it causes not only apprehension and stress for them, but also for their family members who have to also worry about, ‘Am I going to kill my loved one because I bring COVID home?'”

He says even vaccines won’t give him the immunity needed to effectively fight off COVID should he get infected.

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Sherred is among those who would like to see mandatory masking continue in public settings for a little longer than what’s being suggested, noting it’s most effective when everyone is doing it.

“There is talk that masking is going to go back down to being recommended and we’re going to create a masking culture in B.C., but last time we tried that route … we got the fifth wave and we got Omicron,” he told CityNews.

He also worries that people will let their guard down and that case numbers will once again rise, as was the case previously when restrictions were eased.

“I’m very anxious, to say the least,” Sherred said.

On Tuesday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that a further reduction in restrictions was being considered, given the decline in case numbers recently.

She noted that announcements could come over the coming weeks and months about public health policy changes amid provincial recovery.

However, while current measures are set to expire on March 16, she warned there’s always the possibility they could be extended. Henry says, unlike other places, B.C. will remain a “mask positive” place.

“We need to be prepared for immunity to wane again and for us to have new approaches and adapt depending on what we see come the fall,” she said.

Sherred says, given his condition, he’ll likely refrain from going back to doing certain things that were part of his pre-COVID life for a while.

“No more gatherings outside of my immediate kids. I mean, I still haven’t been able to see my grandkids in two years and I’m looking forward to that, but even doing that, I’m still really scared,” he explained.

He expects to continue avoiding settings like restaurants for the foreseeable future. He also will continue ordering groceries and visiting his doctor virtually, as long as that is possible.

“Dr. Bonnie Henry says we’re still going to have waves, it’s not going to be endemic for at least two more years. So for at least two more years, what has been the last two years is going to continue being my existence.”

– With files from Katarina Szulc