The Barrie Police Service acknowledges that over the past several weekends, protests against COVID restrictions have taken place in Barrie.
With the recent provincial Stay-at-Home order, rising COVID case numbers and increasing pressures on hospitals locally and across Ontario, police say it is now more important than ever to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the health of ourselves, our loved ones, and our community members.
While the Barrie Police Service recognizes the right to participate in demonstrations, it is requesting that people abide by and respect provincial orders and public health guidelines that have been implemented to protect everyone, and refrain from gathering.
Outdoor organized public events are restricted to essential purposes and are limited to 5 people.
Where necessary, the Barrie Police Service is committed to ensuring that provincial orders are followed, and community safety and public health measures are respected.
Some downtown businesses have also complained that the protests are doing more harm than good, causing customers to avoid the area and not shop in their stores.
Media Release: Stay home, save lives: Outdoor organized events restricted under Stay-at-Home Order – https://t.co/kdDB192F8v The Barrie Police Service acknowledges that over the past several weekends, protests against COVID restrictions have taken place in Barrie… pic.twitter.com/ucwSlP6p7B
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) April 9, 2021