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Majority of Agassiz-Harrison businesses who replied to survey deal with verbal abuse when enforcing COVID-19 restrictions

The Observer conducted a survey recently related to COVID-19 protocols and harassment
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In the past two weeks, at least a few businesses in the Agassiz-Harrison area have experienced harassment related to the B.C. vaccine card. Some have had signage related to COVID-19 protocols destroyed. (File Photo)

Local businesses have been asked to adapt to much during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although much of the general public who have visited or live in Agassiz-Harrison has been cooperative of pandemic-related protocols, there is a select population that has not.

The Observer reached out to businesses across the Agassiz-Harrison area, using a brief survey to gauge the issue of pandemic-related harassment against area businesses.

Although masks and social distancing are ordered by provincial health authorities, only certain business classifications require patrons to have proof of vaccination. A majority of survey respondents fell outside of these requirements.

In the past two weeks, 22 per cent of respondents have experienced harassment related to the B.C. Vaccine Card. Harassment came in the form of verbal abuse, derogatory language and light vandalism.

Across the entire pandemic, 55 per cent of all respondents experienced some form of harassment due to the enforcement of other COVID-19 regulations. A majority of harassment came in the form of verbal abuse or refusing to put on masks.

A majority of respondents were based in Agassiz, with 33 per cent replying from Harrison Hot Springs and 11 per cent from the District of Kent.


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adam.louis@ ahobserver.com

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