The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is investigating allegations a number of firefighters met at a city fire station over the weekend, breaking city policies around social distancing during COVID-19.
In a statement to Global News, the city says the allegations suggest the firefighters met at Station 1 to pay respects to a retiring colleague on his last shift.
“The health and safety of all service members and the public is the top priority of WFPS,” reads the city’s statement.
“The WFPS takes these allegations seriously and if proven, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.”
It’s not clear how many members are alleged to have attended the gathering.
MGEU Local 911 paramedic union president Ryan Woiden said he’s seen photos of a possible large gathering, but couldn’t confirm how many people attended.
“I believe there’s a responsibility in all of us after we go home to share with our family and promise them we’ll keep them safe,” Woiden said.
“When our family members see that this has happened, they start to question these stations that we work in. These are supposed to be safe.”
He calls it questionable decision-making, if true.
“It truly flies in the face of what we’re asking everyone to do out there to flatten this curve.”
“What type of health risks were there in having an event like this when everyone else in the public seems to be making sacrifices?”
Manitoba has declared a state of emergency over the outbreak of novel coronavirus and gatherings of 10 or more people have been banned.
On Tuesday, Premier Brian Pallister said this sets a bad example.
“It obviously sends a horrible message. We have to follow the fundamentals, and the fundamentals are to maintain social distancing practices,” Pallister said. “If we do that, then we can reopen our economy. If we don’t do that, then our economy is going to stay closed down or partially closed down for a longer period, and that’s bad for all of us. So it sends a bad message, there’s no doubt about that.”
Pallister also pointed to people who aren’t able to have events like weddings and funerals due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The province has set fines for breaching the emergency orders at $486 for individuals and $2,542 for businesses.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.