Media Statement Regarding Aylmer Ontario Freedom Marches

Southwestern Public Health MOH Provides Statement Regarding Protests Planned for Aylmer, ON

Southwestern Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Joyce Lock, has issued the following statement in response to the Freedom Rally and related events planned for the Town of Aylmer this Saturday November 7, 2020.

“When it come to our health, our families, and our community, we feel passionately. That passion is driving people to come together in various ways to express their thoughts about the public health measures designed to stop the spread of COVID-19.

I will repeat what I said prior to the October march. At a stage in the pandemic where cases are not only rising provincially, but rising locally, large gatherings where social distancing is not maintained are not safe. Ontario’s Emergency Orders indicate that outdoor gatherings should be of no more than 25 people. If an outbreak were to occur in a group larger than this, contact tracing and containment of the virus becomes virtually impossible and the significant consequences of ill health will be felt across the entire community. Our case count is in your hands, please protect the community you love by avoiding crowds.”

About Southwestern Public Health

Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.

Contacts

Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health                                     
519-631-9900 x 1259 | 1-800-922-0096
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca