Ottawa: Social distancing means no more beers with your neighbour

Health officials in Ottawa are claiming that people must stop utilizing "loopholes" in the social distancing measures that have been brought in to slow the spread of COVID-19. People are finding ways to continue visiting with friends and family they don't reside with, according to CBC.

The social distancing regulations require people to remain at least 2 metres apart and Ontario has banned gatherings of more than five people.

Brent Moloughney is an associate medical officer of health with Ottawa Public Health and he said that he's received many questions related to ways around the regulations. "People are asking, 'Can I have a beer with my neighbours if we sit apart?' or 'Can I visit my friend's house if we stay outside and keep a distance of six feet or more?' Be it in your driveway or in your yard, our main message is stay home,"

Even as people are meeting up for a visit in their driveway or speaking 2 metres apart at the park, Moloughney says these are still ample opportunities for the virus to spread. Instead, Moloughney said the safest place for everyone to be, is at their home.

"It kind of starts with that and then a couple more people add on and before you know it you have a parking lot party or a backyard party," said Moloughney.

"We are in the middle of a pandemic and so only make essential trips outside the home and limit your contacts to members of your household."

Some people are taking a leisurely drive to get outside of their house and although there is currently no law against that, Ontario Provincial Police are still advising against it. Bill Dickson, an OPP spokesperson says that it's all too easy for someone to feel inclined to stop somewhere and perhaps spread the virus to a new area. "We want to encourage people to stay close to home," said Dickson.

Up to this point, social distancing has shown the most effective results, so it's not a good time for people to break the rules now, said Moloughney. "I think we should take comfort that the effort that we've put into place so far is bearing fruit," Moloughney said. "We're doing the right thing. Let's stay with it."

Dr. Doug Manuel, who works at the Ottawa Hospital announced that health officials are beginning to notice the first signs that the spread of the virus is starting to slow, as the amount of time it takes for the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to double is taking longer.