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Toronto Mayor John Tory is shrugging off criticism that a Sunday evening salute to medical workers went against the city’s social-distancing and staying-at-home message.

Held along Hospital Row on University Ave., and organized by Toronto Police, the event was a chance for city emergency workers to pay tribute to front-line healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19.

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Either by reading about it online or attracted by the scores of lit-up emergency vehicles, crowds quickly grew along the sidewalks of University Ave., leading to people voicing their concerns online.

“I am a huge supporter obviously, we all are, but confused,” wrote Twitter user @Fashionmomage.

“In another place bystanders in would be written up tickets. Not following any of the rules. Distancing, masks, etc. These parades only entice people to congregate and of course they want to show appreciation. We all do.”

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Mitch Goldenberg, whose Twitter profile lists himself as a urology resident at a Toronto hospital, also raised his eyebrows at the event.