Gathering criticism: fears Dal party may lead to COVID-19 surge
Reaction continues to roll-in tonight from a raucous street party near Dalhousie University in Halifax over the weekend, but there are fears the long-term consequences could affect the entire province.
In a news release early Sunday morning, Halifax Regional Police said they'd responded the previous night to "multiple noise complaints on Jennings Street in Halifax, for a large out-of-control party with thousands of people in the street."
The annual university homecoming party had been ongoing most of Saturday.
Online posts suggested police had largely broken up the festivities by later afternoon, but by early evening, larger crowds had gathered.
An athlete in training, Dal anthropology student MacKenzie Kitchen didn't attend, but still found herself surrounded by revellers because she lives on the street.
"I didn't really know what to expect because last year there was no Ho-Co at all, really," she told CTV News.
"And I think people, because of that, they kind of went all out."
Ten people were arrested for public intoxication, and others were ticketed for liquor offences, but, so far, no-one been charged for violating public health orders, which prohibit gatherings larger than 250 people.
Police apparently haven't ruled that out.
"Well certainly that's part of the investigation that is ongoing, the public health orders, as well as noise and other issues that the investigation will bring forward," said Const. John MacLeod of Halifax Regional Police.
The university was also quick to react, issuing a memo to students Sunday evening urging party-goers to stay away from campus for a week.
The school also says it'll be looking for violations of the student code of conduct.
The student union, though, says the school has to shoulder some of the blame.
"What we also know is that Dalhousie currently has an on-campus dry policy," Dal Student Union President Madeleine Stinson told CTV News.
"You're also not allowed to have visitors in residence."
The sentiment is shared by HRM Councillor Waye Mason, who said in an online post he's working closely with Lisa Lachance, the newly elected NDP MLA for the area, and they are reportedly talking to Dal daily, looking for updates on discipline and consequences.
Mason also wants Dal to reconsider its dry campus policy, which he says has pushed parties to surrounding neighborhoods
There was reaction, too, from Province House.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston suggested there could be consequences for everyone, telling CTV News in a statement: "Reckless events like those this weekend confirm how important it is that we constantly remind our friends and family of the importance of following Public Health guidance. Getting back to a stage where we can loosen gathering restrictions depends on following the Public Health measures now."
Calling the events of the weekend "disappointing", the province's top doctor says he's concerned about the impact on our health-care system, and potentially in the weeks to come if the event results in spread of COVID-19.
"We are in the midst of a fourth wave and we all need to be careful of our personal behaviour, even if we are vaccinated," said Dr. Robert Strang.
"This pandemic has been hard on everyone, including students, but now is the time to take positive action – keep caring for each other and please get vaccinated. I also encourage students to get tested using a take-home test kit available on campus or go to a pop-up site.
"Those who attended these events are also encouraged to get tested at a pop-up site.
Infectious disease scientist Dr. Lisa Barrett also expressed concerns about larger, long-term implications of the gathering.
"I can be almost certain that there are going to be some infections from that, and we don't have the healthcare capacity to watch infections go up quickly in our communities," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.