Medical health officer worried about annual fireworks crowds
An Aug. 31 show date has been announced for this year’s summer fireworks show on the Detroit River, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is convinced the crowds will stay away to keep it a safe, televised event.
But Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-essex, isn’t so sure.
“I was concerned, immediately (by the announcement),” Ahmed said on Thursday.
“We don’t know what the situation will look like in August ... We need to be very clear about what’s allowed and what’s not allowed.”
Physical distancing orders had cast doubt on whether the 62nd edition of the annual Ford Fireworks display would be possible in 2020.
In their announcement of the Aug. 31 date, Parade Company organizers said the City of Detroit will close Hart Plaza and other Detroit riverfront viewing areas on the night in question to dissuade spectators from gathering.
Ahmed said the City of Windsor contacted the Windsor-essex County Health Unit to discuss similar measures on this side of the river.
Currently, Ontario’s emergency orders prohibit congregations of more than five people, public or private.
Ahmed said it’s possible such restrictions will be eased by the time the fireworks date arrives, if the COVID-19 case count drops dramatically and the data proves there is no further spread in the community.
“Or, it could go the opposite direction, where we have hundreds of cases every day,” Ahmed said.
“It just makes me nervous, when people are thinking about (gathering). Events like these can really trigger a second wave (of COVID-19) cases, even locally.”
Ahmed again pointed to the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, when the second wave of infections was deadlier than the first. “The reason was that people came out and celebrated. They felt that everything was gone and they could meet.”
Those who wish to view the fireworks on Aug. 31 should stick with home-viewing options, Ahmed said. “This is a different time. I think we need to be careful in how we act and behave in the community.”