Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard

Questioning the approach

MLA says COVID-19 lockdowns excessive, unhealthy

Nov 19, 2020 | 5:22 PM

The MLA for Red Deer-South says there is “excessive risk aversion and fear” when it comes to COVID-19.

Jason Stephan delivered a member statement this week in the Alberta Legislature where he expressed concern over the effect the pandemic is having on the mental health of children.

“I feel joy watching my sons become independent of their parents, to seek happiness as they individually see fit,” Stephan said. “Yet, like many parents, I see the work and effort of young adults threatened by calls for lockdowns with devastating economic consequences.”

Stephan suggested, “Some of the loudest voices calling for lockdowns, will not lose a penny of pay, while those impacted may lose it all.”

The MLA noted that no school-aged children in Alberta have died from COVID-19.

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“Yet, there is excessive risk aversion – a single positive COVID case in a high school should not result in 118 other students sent home to isolate, just because they were in the same class, notwithstanding physical distancing is respected, with good health and no symptoms.”

He went on to say, “There is excessive risk aversion and fear – with negative long-term health impacts for children and young adults at low risk from COVID.”

Stephan said many of his constituents share the sentiment that lockdowns and shutdowns destroy livelihoods, undermining long-term mental and emotional health.

“There needs to be a principled vision of hope,” he implored. “Orders, lockdowns and shutdowns are not healthy – imposing long term physical, mental and social health costs, especially on our children.”