Ottawa residents should follow public health advice amid convoy protest, top doctor says
Global News
The convoy protest descended on Ottawa's downtown core last Friday, with unmasked protestors shouting on the streets for their freedoms back.
Canada’s top doctor is urging Ottawa residents to follow COVID-19-related public health advice, as the so-called “freedom convoy” protest in the downtown core continues.
There have been numerous reports shared online by residents since the protest started detailing instances where they say people associated with the convoy tried to break into their homes, attacked them on the streets, and threatened them with rape or death for wearing masks.
Ottawa Police Services declined to provide any information when asked how many alleged death threats, rape threats or assaults by convoy members they have received.
As of Tuesday, the force’s Hate and Bias Crime Unit had three investigations underway related to the demonstration, according to a statement issued at the time.
“First thing is of course, follow the advice of Ottawa Public Health. They have the pulse on the ground in terms of what’s going on from a public health perspective and they would issue advice as needed,” said Dr. Theresa Tam during a Friday press conference.
“I think if you’re well-vaccinated, you’re wearing your mask, and you’re conscious of where you’re moving or gathering and take extra precautions, you can certainly reduce your risk of infection.”
What began as a protest against Ottawa’s vaccine mandate for truckers at the Canada-U.S. border has morphed into opposition to all public health measures including mask-wearing and vaccination, and now calls for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign.
For Ottawa residents who continue to follow public health advice, frustration with the ongoing protest has been mounting.
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