Peterborough’s political leaders from all three levels of government issued a joint statement on Thursday (April 22) about the growing anti-lockdown protests that have taken place on Saturdays in front of Peterborough City Hall.
The joint statement — from Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, and Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones — says the anti-lockdown protests have the potential to become “super-spreader events” as protesters have been gathering in large numbers, standing together in large groups, and not wearing face coverings.
The four politicians are encouraging the protestors to express their opposition “without putting themselves or others at risk”.
The full statement is provided below.
“Living with COVID-19 continues to be an incredible challenge. We would like to thank the vast majority of residents who have been following provincial emergency measures along with public health guidelines and making the personal sacrifices needed to protect each other. Staying home, practicing physical distancing, wearing masks and getting vaccinated are actions we must take to stay safe. We all want to see this pandemic end as soon as possible, and we must all work together to make that happen.
There have been demonstrations in our community opposing the provincially mandated public health measures that have been put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. At these protests people have been gathering in large numbers, not wearing masks and standing close together in defiance of public health advice.
These gatherings have the potential to become super-spreader events.
Thirteen people in Peterborough have already lost their lives to COVID-19. No one wants to see more families devastated by this pandemic. We all have a role to play in preventing further illness and death.
There are many safe ways for people to express opposition to the provincial regulations or ask questions about public health measures without putting themselves and others at risk.
Together, we are asking our community to please stay home, avoid in-person gatherings and follow public health advice. We all want to see our businesses open as soon as possible. We all want to spend time with our friends and family. We must work together to stop the spread so our community can start to heal from COVID-19.
Our actions have consequences, and we challenge you to consider how your actions will impact the wellbeing of our community. Please do not put your life and the life of others at risk. Please choose to stay home and stay safe.”
