The COVID third wave seems to be swelling more every day - and almost nightly on the news - you hear police and health authorities urging folks to stay home and to avoid public gatherings. In fact, gatherings of more than 10 persons are prohibited under the law.
And that's why a firestorm of discontent and howls of disbelief have been resounding across social media after this letter surfaced which shows the Minister of Health granting the Biltmore Best Western an exemption to host a wedding today at the Biltmore. The letter is addressed to the manager of the Biltmore and it grants an exception for the wedding of Shilpa Narwani. The exemption is granted on the basis that 100% of the guests have received at least one COVID 19 vaccination, and that everyone else follows the basics Covid guidelines of handwashing, mask wearing, and social distance - through we're not sure how that would even work at a wedding.
The wedding happened this afternoon and 7News circled the parking lot to try and estimate how many people were at this special social gathering. We counted about 50 vehicles total, and we'd guess that about 40 of them were there for the wedding - which would suggest a crowd of at least 120 persons. We're told there will be a reception tonight.
And while the public blowback suggests an "Animal Farm" type ethos at work, Minister of Health Micheal Chebat told KREM News that the approval "is in line with a move to encourage more people to get vaccinated." Those in the health sector - including persons advising the government - have called it "unbelievable" in conversations with our newsroom.
