![Thought New York Was Bad? This COVID Incompetence Defies Any Logic](https://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2021/07/attachment-GettyImages-1327178394.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Thought New York Was Bad? This COVID Incompetence Defies Any Logic
I have no health or healthcare background, so admittedly I'm out of my league here. But, the still-existing COVID-19 restrictions for mass gatherings in Canada make no sense!
The Montreal Canadiens, one of two teams in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, recently requested Quebec public health officials lift the capacity limit in place for sporting events. The request was to allow up to 50% capacity, which would have permitted some 10,500 into the Bell Centre. But, health officials declined that request. So, only 3,500 fans were allowed to attend Games 3 and 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals in Montreal. But, several outdoor viewing parties were allowed - where thousands upon thousands of Canadians gathered in public areas to watch the game on a large screen, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, chanting, screaming and celebrating while practically stacked on top of one another.
Does that make any sense?
I understand the virus spreads more-easily indoors than it does outside, but when you have thousands of people crammed next to each other, is it really any different? The typical 'outdoor gathering' I think of is a cookout, with maybe 20 people in a backyard. They're not in constant contact with others, completely surrounded by strangers who may or may not be vaccinated.
How is that 'safer' that allowing full capacity, or even half capacity, in an arena where only vaccinated Canadians are allowed to enter? It makes no sense.
How does it makes any sense to limit crowds at the Bell Center where a vaccine and/or mask is required, versus an outside public square where thousands and thousands are jammed-in like sardines.
Take a look at these photos from fans inside the Bell Centre, and those who were parting at outdoor gatherings setup to allow fans to watch the game, via Getty Images (photo above).
Now, this photo was taken when the Habs (the hockey team's other nickname) secured a victory that sent them to the Stanley Cup (photo below). It's a mob scene, with thousands of people everywhere. If you watched any of the finals games this weekend, you'd have seen similar scenes repeated in multiple locations. Not all of these people are vaccinated, but you see virtually no masks, no distancing.
But, somehow that is safer than putting fully vaccinated people in a sports arena where masks and distancing are required?
While I'm not saying New York health experts and Governor Cuomo made all the right decisions when it comes to the virus, they've certainly let the sun set on many outdated, non-sensical COVID-rules that defy logic.
Canadian leaders should get with the times and examine the obvious holes in their safely protocols.
LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history
CHECK IT OUT: 100 sports records and the stories behind them
ALSO: Former Minnesota Twins All-Star's Home for Sale - Complete With Brewery
More From WIBX 950
![Why Is COVID-19 Spreading Much More Rapidly This Summer in New York?](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-1287392079.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Dr. Kent Hall Gets Set for Final Day at Wynn This Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2024/01/attachment-DrKentHall_mvhs.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![World Health Organization Shares Chilling 20-Year COVID Prediction for New York](http://townsquare.media/site/854/files/2020/07/RS40851_GettyImages-1200769096-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Is Former Ranger Gotham’s Greatest NHL Goalie Of All-Time?](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2024/01/attachment-GettyImages-1209270580.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hockey Fatality Update: What is Suspicion of Manslaughter in UK?](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2023/11/attachment-GettyImages-114488223.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Brendan Burke Ready For Another NHL Season With TV Audiences](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2023/10/attachment-GettyImages-612534362.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ryan Miller’s 10 Greatest Jaw Dropping Saves](http://townsquare.media/site/10/files/2023/01/attachment-GettyImages-96222565.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Whitesboro’s Mowers Remembers NHL Near-Death Incident](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2023/01/attachment-GettyImages-73464219.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![COVID Still Rising, CDC Says Mask Up In 12 Upstate New York Counties](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2022/10/attachment-oop-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)