Regina mayor says some people weren’t following social distancing in parks

Regina Mayor Michael Fougere says people need to take social distancing seriously, even when the weather gets warmer.

Fougere said he both walked and drove through Wascana Park on the weekend and could see people not following the province’s orders to give two metres of space and not travel in groups to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We had some fantastic weather and I know everyone wanted to get out and enjoy that because of being secluded away and staying home, which is the right thing to do, but they got out and did many things together,” Fougere said.

Fougere said it appears many people are following the guidelines set out by Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab. But there are still groups of people ignoring the warnings.

“Those are things like people who are playing soccer and football in the park. On Friday, my office received dozens of calls from concerned residents and parents (about people) who allowed their children to use playgrounds that were closed last week,” Fougere said.

Fougere said city council has brought up the idea of a stay-at-home order, which orders residents to stay at home unless it is to go and pick up essential items.

“This is to stress the urgency to people to please stay home, work from home and if you go outside, please respect the six-foot, or two-metre, distance between people all the time,” Fougere said.

Fougere said the messages from doctors around the world indicate social distancing is the best way to stop COVID-19 from spreading.

Toronto Mayor John Tory says people who are found in parks that have been closed will be fined anywhere between $750 and $5,000.

Fougere said the city hasn’t had talks about implementing its own fine system regarding park closures.

“(Toronto’s) dynamic is different than ours. We do have our police officers who are around the community all the time and who have been warning people and asking them to please respect what’s been asked for in terms of public orders,” Fougere said.

The province has placed a 10-person maximum restriction on all public gatherings.