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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.