Published Saturday, January 16, 2021 4:16PM EST
Last Updated Saturday, January 16, 2021 5:18PM EST
Videos posted on social media show hundreds of demonstrators marching through the streets, condemning public health measures and denouncing the COVID-19 pandemic. The protest, which has been happening weekly since the fall, is in contravention with the new restrictions prohibiting outdoor public gatherings and social gatherings of more than five people.
Video captured at Yonge-Dundas Square by CTV News Toronto appears to show police taking several protesters away with at least one person in handcuffs.
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Ahead of the protest, Toronto police issued a statement posted to Twitter and said they would be present and prepared to respond.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a public health issue; it is a public safety issue,” police said.
“Participating in large gatherings, including protests, is not just in contravention of these orders but also puts attendees and the broader community at risk.”
A few hours later, and as the protest went underway, police issued another statement, saying that they are enhancing their enforcement when it comes to gatherings. Police said they would be dispersing attendees and issuing tickets and summonses when there is evidence of non-compliance.
In a news release, police said 49-year-old Lamont Daigle was arrested at Nathan Phillips Square while 38-year-old Kelly Anne Farkus was arrested at Yonge-Dundas Square.
Both have been charged with common nuisance.
Toronto Public Health reported 975 new COVID-19 cases and 25 more deaths on Saturday.