Public health officials implore people not to attend Aylmer, Ont., anti-lockdown rally

Public health officials and politicians are asking people not to attend an anti-lockdown rally planned for Aylmer, Ont., this weekend, and to stay away from counter-protests, too. 

The Saturday rally is organized by an Aylmer woman but has the backing of Vaccine Choice Canada, which is against vaccinations, and 100 Million Moms, group that advocates for 'natural health and medical freedom.' 

"Getting together in a mass rally is a dangerous activity. The limits for people gathering are set there for a reason, they're to try to keep everyone as safe as possible while allowing our society to function as much as possible," said Dr. Joyce Locke, the medical officer of health for Southwestern Public Health, which oversees Elgin County, where Aylmer is located.  

"If people breach those recommendations, they're going against very carefully thought-out guidelines for our citizens to keep each other safe."

Earlier this week, Aylmer Mayor Mary French declared a state of emergency in the town, which frees up more police resources in case the Saturday rally, and planned counter protests, escalate. She has since received threats, and has declined interview requests. 

In September, as the second wave of the coronavirus started sweeping across Ontario, provincial officials set the recommended limit for people gathering outside at 25. At a previous 'freedom rally' in Aylmer in October, more than 100 people showed up. 

"We ask that people look very carefully at the activity that they want to participate in, and ask themselves if it aligns with the recommendations," Locke said.

'Blatant disregard' of public health orders

Aylmer, a town of 7,500, has more than a quarter of Southwestern Public Health's COVID-19 cases, a region that spans two counties and includes two much larger cities, St. Thomas and Woodstock. 

"We know this is the sort of thing that spreads COVID. It's disappointing that people are blatantly disregarding their health and the health of others, this far into the pandemic," said Dr. Chris Mackie, the Middlesex London medical officer of health. 

Some in Aylmer were suggesting they're willing to host people coming to the town for the weekend in their homes, a concerning prospect, Locke said. 

"We would prefer and we strongly recommend that people stay within their local region," she said. "In general, don't travel outside of your own region because then there is a lower risk of introducing COVID to other areas." 

London Mayor Ed Holder said he hopes "no one from London attends this rally, and that no one from London opens their home to people who choose to attend this rally." 

Jeff Yurek, the MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, said he understands that the pandemic has caused a great deal of frustration. 

"It is important to all who call this region home that no one put themselves or others at risk, or cause further disruption to businesses and the community during this already difficult time," he said in a statement to CBC News. 

"Ontarians are doing their best to respond to an unprecedented situation and the government has implemented measures intended to uphold public safety based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. We need to stand together, united and strong, so that we can stop the spread of COVID-19."