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'Hundreds' of partiers gather at St Catharines beach on Tuesday night

Public Health: 'Disappointing'
COVID-19

The regions top doctor says it is disappointing to hear reports of hundreds of party-goers congregating at a St Catharines beach on Tuesday night.

Niagara police were called to Sunset Beach in Port Weller at around 8:40 P.M on Tuesday night after reports of hundreds of partiers gathering and holding bonfires.

Fire crews put out the fires and the crowds dispersed as police came to the scene, police told Thorold News.

No charges were laid during the incident.

“It is certainly disappointing. The risk of spread is definitely out there. A big gathering like this one is the greatest risk of the infection spreading,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, acting medical officer of health.

“When it starts spreading, it eventually reaches staff and workers in the health-sector and long-term care homes where it eventually will affect people who might potentially die.”

While several parks and amenities have opened up during later weeks, the beach only permits walk-through traffic, and the provincial rules prohibiting gatherings of five or more people are still in effect.

Hirji said he thinks the long streak of relatively low infection rates in the region might have lulled the public into a sense of false security.

“There is a real risk in the coming weeks that the cases will start to rise again. That is why we urge continued social distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing masks in situations where distancing is not possible, like certain stores.”

Hirji says to enjoy the beautiful weather - but says he is worried.

“Social distancing is more important than ever right now.”

On Wednesday there were 0 new cases of COVID-19 in the region.