Real enforcement the most effective way forward

You would have to have a heart of stone to not feel for restaurant owners.

They’re not the only local business people that have been financially devastated by COVID-19 — that’s a long, long lineup, especially in Niagara. But they have been pounded and subjected to the ups and downs of this coronavirus.

They had practically no time to prepare for the initial lockdown back in the spring, which brought a sudden, sharp downturn in business and forced massive layoffs.

They at least had a chance to start recovering in the summer when restrictions were loosened, but now they face another downward spiral that could last months. Their patios have mostly closed, and as Niagara’s COVID numbers get worse it’s imperative people avoid crowded settings.

It’s fair to be critical of tighter restrictions imposed by Niagara Region public health, but only to a certain extent. The original order from Niagara’s acting medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji allowed up to six people per table at a restaurant, provided they were all from the same household or were essential contacts.

It was the province’s later decision to shift Niagara into orange alert status that enforced even stricter rules on restaurants, allowing only 50 customers at a time inside and limiting diners to four per table.

Even if Hirji rescinded his order, as Niagara regional council unanimously called for earlier this week, the major difference would be that friends and coworkers — not just family members — could sit together.

Restaurants would still be limited to four per table, maximum capacity of 50 and the other limits the provincial order brought in. And depending on whatever measures Premier Doug Ford announced Friday on parts of Ontario, possibly including Niagara, it could all be moot anyway.

What Niagara could do on its own right now, as was suggested by regional council this week, is to strictly enforce public safety measures. It’s time to really crack down on what may well be the single biggest cause of Niagara’s growing caseload. Charges should be laid and fines levied. That would be on people who continue to meet in large numbers, either in public or at private residences, taking a casual approach to measures that would protect themselves and others or flouting them outright.

The so-called superspreader group Hirji has referred to, a group of 20-somethings who have met in groups, then spread the virus and taken it to their families and workplaces — including long-term-care homes — would certainly fall into that category.

There is talk of COVID fatigue, the fact people are tired of wearing masks and spending all their time at home and not being able to see friends and extended family. That’s a real thing, but it’s no excuse.

There is no disputing that until vaccines are ready, which could be as early as the spring, we have to be vigilant about public safety. It’s been said here numerous times — unless local governments are really prepared to get tough on people who ignore restrictions, the problem won’t get better.

What good is a law if it’s not enforced?

With a few exceptions, Niagara municipalities have preferred to educate people rather than charge them when they’re caught in violation.

More charges need to be laid and the public needs to know action is being taken.

That’s what will go a long way toward reducing our numbers, and quickly, too.

The faster that happens, the faster we can look at loosening restrictions that are killing local businesses.