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The daily constitutional is the last vestige of freedom for many Montrealers during this stressful period of social distancing.

Going for a walk in the park, a stroll down empty streets, or a jog along familiar routes not only does the body good, it lifts the spirits. But this cherished bit of sanity-saving liberty may be in jeopardy if we’re not careful.

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As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Quebec, as the coronavirus is transmitted in the community and as a few folks continue to recklessly ignore public-health edicts to keep two metres away from others at all times, we are inching closer to stricter confinement.

With spring sunshine in the forecast, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante on Wednesday warned Montrealers to watch their step or she will be forced to wield her emergency powers.

“We’re asking everyone, obviously, to respect the rules and not to crowd the parks,” Plante said. “The last thing we want is to close them. However, if the rules are not respected, we’ll obviously have to do it.”