7 people charged after COVID-19 protest in Hamilton: police

Hamilton police say seven people have been charged after protesting lockdown measures and violating COVID-19 measures on Sunday.

It comes after countless reminders to the public to stay home, and comes in the middle of a third provincial stay-at-home order.

Divisional Staff Sgt.Scott Galbraith said there were nine people gathered in front of City Hall at noon.

None of them were wearing masks, according to police.

Bylaw officers and police confirmed people there were breaking the rules and issued charges.

Galbraith said some faced trespassing charges while others violated the Reopening Ontario Act.

In mid-April, police laid 20 charges following a pair of lockdown protests.

"Residents are encouraged to stay at home when ill, maintain a two metre distance (six feet) from others, wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible, wash hands frequently with soap and water, and cover coughs or sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue to help stop the spread of COVID-19," police said in a statement on Sunday.