A few small, some loud gatherings make for generally quiet St. Patrick’s Day

City officials are pleased with how the University District and Kingston as a whole chose to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day, finding that residents were generally cooperative in their revelry amidst the March 4th Section 22 order, which has now been extended through to the end of April.

“This is an extremely positive outcome for the community and we want to thank residents for their continued cooperation and for avoiding illegal gatherings,” Kyle Compeau, Manager of Licensing & Enforcement for the City said.

During the evening, however, two Part I Section 22 summonses were issued, as well as one monetary fine for loud noise.

“I want to emphasize that our team was actively on the lookout for high-risk gatherings and nuisance behaviours, and was prepared to issue fines or charges if necessary,” Compeau added. “In most instances, gatherings were within the permitted limits.”

For their part, Kingston Police attended 13 calls but did not issue any charges under the Reopening Ontario Act.

Some smaller gatherings were seen on the University Campus throughout the day, but generally, officials considered it a quiet St. Patrick’s Day.

Still, KFL&A Public Health has revised and extended the Section 22 Order with the main focus on continuing to prohibit gatherings of more than 5 persons. The order has been extended to reflect the changing situation across Ontario and to address a recent increase in cases in the City of Kingston, and Public Health has lifted several restrictions on businesses where public health measures are already in place to keep the community safe.

“We needed to take action now and extend the Class Order to stop this surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health. “It is reassuring to hear that there were fewer enforcement issues this St Paddy’s day, but we must continue to adhere to public health measures. I am urging everyone to stay home as much as possible, stay local, do not gather with those outside of your household, screen for symptoms practice physical distancing, and wear your face covering to stay safe.”