Soccer players draw the mayor’s ire

Groups of people have been playing soccer on the field at Weston Lions Park over the past week, despite exhortations to not gather in groups so that we can flatten the COVID curve.

John Tory says he’s had enough. “People were playing soccer at the Weston Lions Park and at Humberline Park having climbed over fences and gates that were locked there to keep people out during this health emergency.”

Violators could now be fined, he says. “For them, we won’t hesitate to issue a minimum $750 fine and potentially as high as $5,000 fines so that maybe they will get the message.”

 

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“Please do what you are asked to do,” Mayor John Tory asked people on Monday. • The mayor said city officials have seen social media posts, received 311 calls and heard reports from councillors about people using parks and amenities now closed and not practising physical distancing. • These amenities include sports fields, dog parks and fitness equipment. • The mayor said there have been reports of people gathering in large groups at parks and beaches, jumping over gates and fences at closed parks and soccer fields, removing locks and using park fitness stations taped off to prevent the spread of the virus. • “This is not physical distancing,” Tory said. “It is irresponsible and insensitive behaviour and it risks spreading COVID-19 further in our community.” • • • 📄: Greg Ross/CBC 🎥: Joe Fiorino/CBC #cbctoronto #cbcto #toronto #coronavirus #covid19

A post shared by CBC Toronto (@cbctoronto) on Mar 30, 2020 at 5:00pm PDT