Enforcement key to limiting virus spread in Niagara

When it comes to COVID-19, the skies are darkening around Niagara but so far this region remains in the relative calm eye of the storm.

Can we keep it that way?

Can we limit our positive test case count, even as we’re mostly surrounded by regions dealing with more illness and tighter economic restrictions? In part, that’s up to us.

Things look bad in Hamilton, which the provincial government has put into Control-red designation, the second-highest level of restrictions.

They look worse in Toronto and Peel, which are in lockdown mode. That means no indoor restaurant service, and most retailers are limited to curbside pickup or delivery (the same restrictions Niagara faced back in the spring).

Worst of all are Buffalo and Niagara Falls, N.Y., where caseloads have skyrocketed to the point that area is among the worst hot spots in all of New York state.

At least the border remains closed and will likely stay that way well into the new year. Aside from truckers, only a handful of individuals are allowed to cross for essential work.

Meanwhile, Niagara sits at the Orange-restrict level.

The spread of COVID here, comparatively, isn’t as bad as in Toronto and Peel and while there are some restrictions on shopping, they’re not as severe.

So the worry is a lot of frustrated Christmas shoppers in Toronto and Peel will ignore public health officials’ pleas not to travel, and head down the highway to Niagara.

It’s bound to happen; it’s human nature, even if it does defy common sense. Since we can’t close the QEW the way we closed the border, we have to be ready.

The way to do that is all too familiar, but bears repeating: Mask up, stay home if you feel sick, limit your social contacts and when you do go out, avoid large crowds.

Shop during less busy times, and try not to travel to places like Toronto and Peel — we don’t need you bringing COVID home with you. All that relies on people’s goodwill and so far Niagarans have come through.

Where we could do better, though, is in enforcement.

Remarkably, no fines have been levied against any restaurants here since Niagara’s public health department tightened rules on indoor dining earlier this month. Provincial guidelines say no more than four people per table; local ones are stricter, requiring those four to either be from the same household or be vital social contacts.

In a way, it’s understandable authorities here want to educate restaurant operators, rather than punish them if rules are broken.

The service industry has been devastated by the pandemic with lost revenues, layoffs and sometimes even closures. We want them to stay open, not close. But we are nine months into COVID now. If you’re not educated by now, you never will be. That goes not only for business operators but also for homeowners foolish enough to host large holiday parties.

At this point, the best education might come from taking strong action and then making public the names of the offending businesses or individuals, as Hamilton is doing. If someone is found to be violating public safety laws, they should be charged and identified.

If Niagara really is facing an influx of visitors from COVID hot spots around the province, those people need to know we are serious about enforcing public safety laws here.