To the editor,
Re: More than 150 anti-mask protesters storm into store, Nov. 10.
I unfortunately was at the store that evening. When I arrived a huge crowd was inside but the sliding doors had been locked. Many of the group were still trying to get in. They pushed past and in front of me, all unmasked and with no adherence to social distancing, and breathing literally all over me. They tried to force the doors open, despite the employee on the other side, trying to keep it closed. There was much shouting and yells of “freedom” with complete disregard for all of the safety measures which we have all been trying to adhere to, and failing to grasp that freedom also involves respecting other people’s rights to keep a safe distance from the unmasked and unvaccinated, and free from the risk of potentially being infected with COVID.
Respectful protest in the open air, as they had done at Maffeo Sutton Park, respects the right of protest. Harassing customers and shouting at me to take off my mask in a confined space, puts them into the category of aggressive thugs.
Mary Howell, Nanaimo
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