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Tips to stay safe from COVID-19 while protesting in Newmarket, York Region

Be extra vigilant with physical distancing, hand washing and mask-wearing for 14 days after participation in any protest event, York public health says
Black Lives Matter Protest 3
Village Media file photo of a Black Lives Matter Rally in support of George Floyd on Friday, June 5, 2020 in Thunder Bay.

NEWS RELEASE
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK
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Recent events in the news involving racial violence have left many York Region residents and Canadians hurt and looking for answers. 

While much of the attention has focused on the United States, given our proximity to the United States and our own continuing struggles addressing racism in our communities, some Canadian cities and towns are organizing peaceful protests. 

These Black Lives Matter demonstrations aim to raise awareness about anti-black racism while showing solidarity and support for the Black community.

Peaceful protests and demonstrations are occurring this upcoming weekend locally across York Region and in neighbouring cities and towns. 

We understand that people want to gather to march and express themselves.  

If you are planning on joining the crowds this week, please do so responsibly by taking these steps to keep yourself and other participants as safe as possible to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19:

  • Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres when possible
  • Wear a two-layer cloth face mask at all times to avoid spreading of droplets
  • Consider alternatives to get your message across such as using signs and make noise with drums or thunder sticks
  • Bring hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands upon returning home
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth
  • Avoid sharing items with others such as food, water, posters
  • Clean any materials that you carried during the demonstration
  • Remove and wash your clothes immediately upon return home and shower as soon as you can
  • As always, while COVID-19 is circulating in the community, monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after the protests, and if any symptoms develop, get yourself tested right away at a COVID-19 assessment centre
  • Be extra vigilant with physical distancing, hand washing and mask-wearing for 14 days after your participation in any protest event.

If you are more susceptible to serious complications if you contract COVID-19, such as older adults, have chronic illnesses or are immuno-compromised, reconsider the need to be physically present in a large crowd and perhaps find a way to participate virtually. 

If you have a vulnerable person in your household, consider participating virtually. And, if you are sick, please stay home.

The Regional Municipality of York is committed to a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.

Learn more about York Region’s response to COVID-19 at york.ca/covid19.

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