Politicians and health officials in Ottawa begged residents to “do the right thing” and stop gathering in large groups and in parks as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city jumped to 194 on Wednesday.
Officials say bylaw officers have been fielding many calls and complaints about groups of residents flaunting requests to stay home after the Ontario government issued an emergency order banning gatherings larger than five people to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
According to Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, the city’s bylaw department received 139 calls about the provincial order and closed parks on Tuesday alone.