I was watching yesterday’s news conference led by the premier of my province. In a very brief summary, we are reinstating many restrictions we are already familiar with but with one significant difference, the inclusion of a Vaccine Passport.

Oops, my mistake. Let’s call it a ‘Proof of Vaccination Certificate.’

I’m deliberately going to stay away from further political commentary. However, there is much non-political fodder that can be had at this moment.

On the day of the announcement, our daughter treated my wife and me to lunch at a nearby café and dessert establishment. We clarified that we’d prefer lunch outside despite the cooler temperatures. She returned with a reassuring comment of complete understanding.

Yes, we confirmed that hugs with masks were OK.

We had a wonderful couple of hours catching up.

Then the news conference.

What we had done by choosing an outside setting was voluntary at the time. Now less than 12 hours later, it would be illegal, and no dine-in allowed.

From the beginning of the pandemic, I thought governments around the democratic world would tend to be slow to take action to restrict transmission and fast to reduce or eliminate these restrictions.

From my perspective, this is true. Of course, it all depends on your point of view. Just about everyone has an opinion on when to add or eliminate restrictions.

You, as an older adult, have the right within the law to find your comfort level. This is what my wife and I did before being told at the news conference.

We added more restrictions on ourselves before they were imposed throughout the pandemic, and we kept restrictions longer than legally required. We communicated our comfort levels, so our friends and family knew and accepted, if not always agreeing.

This dialogue has been crucial in keeping friends and family connected despite our differences.

I’m in agreement with the over 70% of the citizens of Alberta supporting some kind of Vaccine Certificate. I find it too big a leap to describe what to legally do for the other side of the issue. But feel free to make it in the comment section.

Please give this a bit of a think. How have you navigated the difference between you and the government? How have you handled differences amongst friends and family?

I’m curious about your thoughts. Please leave your comment.

Photo by Jukan Tateisi on Unsplash

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