The Canadian Medical Association is calling for lockdowns in Saskatchewan and Alberta to protect their “crumbling” health-care systems.

Both provinces are setting hospitalization records for COVID-19, with intensive care capacity running slim.

CMA President Dr. Katharine Smart has written an open letter in which she is urging the federal and provincial governments to take immediate action.

The association is calling for short, controlled lockdowns, often called “firebreakers” or “circuit-breakers,” which would close schools and non-essential businesses.

It also wants mandatory vaccinations in health-care settings and an increase in the mobility of health workers and intensive care capacity between provinces.

Smart says it’s time for “courageous action” and politics must be put to the side to allow for collaboration between levels of government.

We must act now to curb mortality, support workers, and address the consequences of patients’ whose care is now on hold indefinitely.

This is a time for courageous action, and for politics to step out of the way.#COVID19 #FirebreakAB @Albertadoctors @SMA_docs #cdnpoli https://t.co/7xGAqW3zS1

— Dr. Katharine Smart (@KatharineSmart) September 29, 2021