APH says surveillance to increase as photo of youth parking lot gathering circulates

The local health unit is warning young people in the Algoma district to observe COVID-19 restrictions, or else risk having their gatherings broken up by police.

A photo posted to social media Monday shows a large number of young people grouped outside what appears to be a Sault convenience store disregarding masks, social distancing and provincial state of emergency laws prohibiting gatherings of more than five people.

“APH is working closely with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service to have increased surveillance in areas of where there have been concerns for gatherings that go against the current legislation and to ensure that public health guidance on physical distancing, masking, and other measures to prevent COVID-19 are known and are in place,” wrote Chris Spooney, Algoma Public Health (APH) manager of environmental health, in an email.

Under the second COVID-19 state of emergency imposed by the province Jan. 12, “outdoor organized public gatherings and social gatherings are further restricted to a limit of five people - otherwise people are subject to law enforcement action. This includes hanging out with your friends in a public parking lot of a business,” Spooney wrote.

“We are supportive of Algoma Public Health’s approach to this and will continue to work with local businesses, schools and health officials in order to educate and discourage this behavior. We will enforce the Reopening of Ontario Act consistently across the city and will attend at key times when potential violations may be taking place,” wrote Sault Police Chief Hugh Stevenson in a statement issued Tuesday.

“It is important to follow public health measures both on and off of school property. We encourage you to bring your lunch to school and remain within your cohort during the lunch hour if possible. If you are leaving for lunch, do not come into contact with students outside of your cohort and avoid any gatherings outdoors,” an APH Facebook post urged Sunday.

The photo appeared on social media as APH reported the region's second COVID-19 death and, while Monday marked a return to classrooms for high school students in the area, the province announced it has extended its state of emergency and all associated orders, including the stay-at-home order except for essential workers, essential shopping and medical visits for another 14 days.