49 calls and 3 tickets issued over long weekend by Kitchener bylaw

Bylaw officials in Kitchener were kept busy over the long weekend, responding to 49 COVID-19 related calls.

Those called resulted in three tickets being issued for gatherings at private residences.

A spokesperson for the citysaid with the stay-at-home order in effect until June 2, but the province relaxing regulations around recreational activities and allowing five people to gather, it "caused some confusion" for people.

"It is important that residents understand that although the regulation currently allows a gathering of up to five people, they are required to maintain 2 metre physical distancing at all times and are not permitted indoors,"said Bethany Rowland in an email.

Nicole Papke, director of municipal enforcement services in Waterloo, said it was a quieter weekend in that city.

Bylaw officers responded to approximately 15 gathering complaints over the weekend both at residential and in public areas. There were no charges issued.

Papke says city staff have been working to educate people about the changes that came into effect on Saturday.

'Do not gather indoors'

Last Friday, the region's medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said she was concerned people may be confused by the new rules that allowed small social gatherings during the stay-at-home order.

"I recommend you continue to only have close contact with your household members," Wang said on Friday.

If people choose to gather with up to five people outside their household, she said to "only gather outdoors, maintain six feet of distance from those you do not live with and wear a face covering. Do not gather indoors."

The province's stay-at-home order remains in effect until June 2. Last week, Premier Doug Ford announced the province's three-step plan to reopening, but step one isn't expected to begin until mid-June.