Chatham-Kent’s medical officer is facing more criticism over new COVID restrictions set to come into effect tomorrow.
Among those new restrictions are limits of 10 people at social gatherings, however, Chatham lawyer Steve Pickard claims Dr. David Colby lacks the authority to regulate private dwellings. Pickard claims the section of the Ontario Reopening Act cited in Colby’s Letter of Instruction issued earlier this week applies to businesses and organizations open to the public, not private homes.
“I am not advocating for people to disobey the law, but we all have an obligation to speak up when we see something wrong,” Pickard said in a written statement. “I, for one, will not be observing Dr. Colby’s illegal Instruction and will enjoy the holidays with my friends and families in our private homes, in accordance with Ontario law.”
Dr. Colby spoke to the new restrictions during Monday night’s online council meeting and says he worked closely with the municipality’s legal team when drafting the Letter of Instruction.
It’s just the latest backlash to the incoming restrictions. On Tuesday night, a small group of protesters marched outside Dr. Colby’s home, chanting and carrying placards. Police were called, but authorities say the demonstrators were peaceful and no charges were laid.