Huge gathering in Toronto puts Windsor area on alert
Local officials alarmed that distancing rules not followed
Recent massive gatherings with no regard for physical distancing in Toronto and beyond have made local officials nervous about the potential for similar scenes happening in the Windsor-essex region.
Dr. Wajid Ahmed of the Windsor-essex County Health Unit said he was “very scared” to see images from Trinity Bellwoods Park in the heart of Toronto on Saturday, where thousands of people clustered to enjoy the summer weather.
“COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. It still exists in our community,” Ahmed warned on Monday. “If people are looking at (those images) and feeling like it’s OK since other places are doing that — No, it’s not OK.”
Toronto wasn’t the only place where large mobs of people were gathering. In the U.S., where the total death toll of COVID-19 is nearing 100,000, some celebrations of the Memorial Day weekend involved crowded pool parties, barbecue events and open recreational venues.
“I do worry. People shouldn’t take these pictures as inspiration. Instead, they should be very scared to see that,” Ahmed said.
As of Monday, Ontario’s emergency orders restricting all gatherings remain in effect: Groups of more than five people are prohibited, with an exception for people who live in the same household.
Ahmed said he wasn’t aware of any specific complaints of major violations in our region over the weekend.
But that doesn’t mean there were no crowds in Windsor-essex.
In a Facebook post, Waterfront Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt in Amherstburg thanked the community for giving the popular Dalhousie Street treat shop all the business it could handle over the weekend. Although the shop has a new walkup window and lineup system to comply with the province’s orders, owners acknowledged that a neighbour called police to complain that some groups weren’t practising physical distancing.
“Thank you Windsor police (Amherstburg detachment) for your guidance,” the business owners stated.
“Unfortunately, those of you (customers) who choose not to respect the social distancing rules will be asked to leave, in order for us to safely serve the majority of people who respect the rules currently in place.”
At a meeting on Monday, Windsor city council discussed recommendations on enhancing physical distancing at municipal parks.
Among the suggestions: More signage, set travel directions on trails, removal of obstructions such as flower planters, and temporary closure of paths that are too tight for proper distancing.
Stepping up enforcement in terms of actual ticketing was also proposed. Windsor police auxiliary officers currently patrol city parks in shifts of three foot patrol units and one mobile unit, every evening and during the daytime on weekends.
“The foot patrols are focused on high traffic areas such as the Central Riverfront, Ganatchio Trail, and Malden Park, while the mobile patrol cycles through numerous other areas such as Jackson, Captain Wilson, Ford Test Track and Forest Glade Parks,” administration reported to council.
Bylaw enforcement officers have also been keeping their eyes out in 12-hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Of particular concern is this summer’s Ford Fireworks display, set for Aug. 31.
“It is advertised as a Tv-only viewing, however we’re quite aware that people will want to see it in person,” said Jan Wilson, executive director of the city’s parks department and facilities division.
If people are looking at (those images) and feeling like it’s OK since other places are doing that — No, it’s not OK.
“We are closely monitoring any changes in restrictions.”
Ward 6 Coun. Jo-anne Gignac had words of worry.
“You’re beginning to see people in public who are kind of letting (measures) slide,” she warned.
“And I’m thinking: Holy moly, if we end up in August with a situation that generally attracts thousands and thousands of people to the riverfront ... how are we going to be able to manage that?”