In an effort to keep a lid on potential COVID-19 spreading St. Patrick's Day parties, London police, city bylaw officers, and public health officials will be stepping up patrols in the city on Wednesday.
Fears during the early days of the pandemic and the provincial declaration of a state of emergency kept people from marking the day last year. However, with pandemic fatigue set in and establishments allowed to open with limited capacity, this year is likely to see a return of green-clad revelers to the downtown.
In the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day, police and the Middlesex London Health Unit have been flooding social media with warnings that failure to obey public health measures could result in fines and a surge of COVID-19 cases.
"Public safety is our priority, and we all play a part. We have plans in place with respect to large gatherings of any kind," said Constable Sandasha Bough. "For health and safety reasons, we’re hoping that those who planned to attend any St. Patrick’s Day gatherings, will reconsider."
Instead those marking the day, are advised to do so only with members of their own household or virtually with friends.
Bough added that the message from police is a simple one - 'stay home and stay safe’.
That sentiment is echoed by Dr. Chris Mackie, the region's medical officer of health.
"Keep it outdoors, keep it small. Avoid any indoor gatherings, and certainly large indoor gatherings. If those occur, they will certainly spread COVID," said Mackie.
Middlesex-London is under the orange-restrict level of the province's pandemic response framework which caps gatherings at ten people indoor and 25 people outdoors. Under the current level of the colour-coded system, local bars and restaurants are limited to 50 patrons and can only serve alcohol between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. They must also close their doors by 10 p.m.
"These will be fairly helpful protective factors," said Mackie. "I don't see a need on that day to go above the current restrictions. However, there will be enforcement to make sure that facilities are not operating unsafely regardless of what the actual capacity limits are."
Mackie added that public safety messaging issued prior to past celebratory days, such as Mother's Day and Halloween, resonated with Londoners. He is confident St. Patrick's Day will be no different.
"I am quite hopeful that we won't see a major spike related to St. Patrick's Day," said Mackie.
Anyone who spots a gathering in violation of public health rules or has any other COVID-19 related concern is asked to email COVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca or call the city tipline at 519-661-4660.
This #StPatricksDay, we will have extra resources on the street ensuring public safety. ? Celebrate responsibly! The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home and celebrate with others virtually! #LdnOnt #getbacktogreen ? pic.twitter.com/Q8kJtsHpMX
— London Police Service ON (@lpsmediaoffice) March 16, 2021
