Niagara Falls mayor blasts ‘misleading’ photo
Diodati said he did wear a mask but decided to take it off for the video taken at the mosque
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati says a photo posted to Facebook showing him not wearing a mask and gathering in a group of more than five people at an event this past weekend is misleading.
Diodati visited The Peace Mosque Islamic Community and Conference Centre on Caledonia Street Sunday where he provided well wishes to members celebrating the end of Ramadan. The mayor posted a video of his address to his Facebook page later that day.
A photo from that event posted to Facebook shows people standing closer than two metres apart, several wearing masks, while others, including Diodati, were not.
The photo was edited to include a message, including that
Diodati was “not setting a good example” by not wearing a mask, not social distancing and being in a group of more than five people.
Diodati said he did have a mask but decided to take it off for the video.
“I had a mask on, and I took it off for the video because I knew it would be hard to hear me talking outside,” he said.
“Anybody in that scene will attest to the fact I had a mask on.” Diodati said he decided against hanging the mask off his ear “to make it look good.”
He also said everyone in attendance at the event was practising proper physical distancing.
“There are people that are trying to mislead the public with a photo. I’ve seen so many photos over the years that were completely misleading with what was actually going on and it’s not hard to do,” said Diodati.
Public health officials say keeping physical distance from others means standing at least two meters apart. Masks are being recommended for those situations where physical distancing is not possible. The protocols do not allow for clarity of speech or appearances.
“There’s a lot of fake news going around right now because people got time on their hands because they’re not working, so instead of putting their efforts to good, positive, constructive things, they’re looking for problems.”
He said it’s “disappointing” to see people with “accusatory agendas.” For example, Diodati said there are people driving around and taking pictures of others gathering near the falls.
“I’ve had residents send me pictures that they took driving down River Road of crowds of tourists and then I’ve had people in the crowd taking pictures, send them back to me of people in a car illegally driving and taking pictures,” he said.
“Is this what our society has come to … it’s like give me a break. Get off your high horse and start helping out. But if you want to sit on the sidelines and be a critic, you’re not helping the situation.”
Last week, public health officials strongly urged people to wear a mask in situations where physical distancing is impossible.
Toronto Mayor John Tory apologized Sunday for not properly wearing a mask during a visit to a park on Saturday.
Tory visited Trinity Bellwoods Park after crowds were seen ignoring physical distancing bylaws and provincial orders prohibiting more than five people from gathering.
As for Diodati, he said he has nothing to apologize for.
“There’s no apologies coming from me.”