Health officials in Timmins support anti-racism demonstrations, but ask people to take COVID precautions

Dr. Lianne Catton, Medical Officer of Health for the Porcupine Health Unit announcing the 24th positive case of COVID-19 in its area as Timmins Mayor, George Pirie listens. (This photo is a still from the City of Timmins recording on YouTube posted April 2/2020)

Timmins — With word of another anti-racism demonstration in Timmins scheduled for Friday, public health officials are reminding the pubic to take care, given the province is still in a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Timmins city officials say they are pleased with how respectful people behaved during Wednesday's rally, health officials encourage people to remember to practise physical distancing and wear face masks, since shouting can spread droplets.

They also suggest using other noise makers, instead.

"We definitely need to support this," said Dr. Lianne Catton, medical officer of health for the Porcupine Health Unit. "It's just such an incredibly important time ... At the same time, if individuals are sick or unwell, the recommendation still stands to not be out in public and exposing others."

With the current state of the pandemic in Timmins, Catton says there is no need to prohibit demonstrations, but people need to take care.

Police officials say tomorrow's group is expected to march from the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Area (Participark) to Timmins City Hall, along Algonquin Boulevard. They advise traffic may be impeded between noon and 2 p.m. and suggest motorists consider using alternate routes to avoid traffic delays.