WATERLOO REGION — The upcoming long weekend is traditionally seen as a time for families and friends to gather, eat food together and catch up after a long winter season.

This year will be different.

Health officials are urging people to not to gather with extended family over the weekend and to continue physical distancing efforts. These efforts will impact how the virus is spread throughout the community.

Physical distancing means keeping at least two metres between you and others who don't live with you.

Can I go for a walk?

While temperatures this weekend aren't exactly inviting people to get outdoors — highs of 2, 9 and 10 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday — many people have been cooped up inside for weeks.

Going for a walk to get some fresh air is fine, said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, provided people keep two metres apart. Public spaces in Kitchener like Victoria Park and Iron Horse Trail are still open, but if people are able to keep their walks closer to home, that would be better, he said.

"We're creatures of habit. We see our neighbour, we want to say hi, stop and talk, pet their dog," he said. "All of those things are increasing transmission risk."

Can I meet with a small group if we keep our distance?

Health officials have said people are not to gather in groups of more than five people and that includes in backyards.

If less than five of your friends or family members from outside your immediate household meet up to walk or ride bikes at an acceptable distance, you won't technically be breaking the law, but you'll be breaking the spirit of these rules, Vrbanovic said.

"No it's not illegal. Is it in our collective best interest to have those kinds of things happening? I would say no."

The message from public health officials around venturing outdoors has been clear: people should stay home unless they absolutely need to go out.

Shayne Turner, director of municipal enforcement services for the City of Waterloo, said Waterloo Park is technically still open, but all the amenities within the park are closed as per last week's provincial declaration. This includes benches, playgrounds, picnic tables, dog parks and sports fields.

The city is also increasing the number of bylaw officers working this weekend. They'll be focusing on social gatherings of more than five people, people using recreational amenities and any calls deemed urgent, like for parking or noise.

"Gatherings in homes can only include members of the immediate household," Turner said.

How can I connect with my family?

This long weekend falls at a time where a number of religious groups are celebrating. It's a time for families to connect, but not in person.

"These are life and death times. We've never seen a pandemic like this," said Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry.

People wishing to connect with family or friends can do so over the internet with video platforms like Zoom.

"This is not the year to have people over to your house that don't live there."

Cambridge bylaw officers will be out to ensure physical distancing guidelines are met this weekend, including at Soper and Riverside parks, which are still open to walkers or cyclists. People caught ignoring physical distancing rules could be handed a $750 fine, McGarry said.

Locally, police will not be stopping cars to ask residents where they are going, said Waterloo Regional Police spokesperson Cherri Greeno.

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But more officers will be out this long weekend. Expect enhanced patrols and officers monitoring parks along with bylaw officers, Greeno said.

Greeno said police are receiving more reports of aggressive behaviour and are reminding residents to be more patient and to practice kindness.

"This is a stressful and anxious time for all of us," she said.

GRCA owned properties closed to the public on March 24, but still people are accessing some sites, said communications lead Lisa Stocco. No charges have been laid yet, but if people are caught trespassing, they could face fines.

Local GRCA sites include Laurel Creek, Shade's Mills, Conestogo Lake.

For those thinking of heading north to cottage country, University of Guelph PhD candidate Ashleigh Weeden advises against it. Small towns don't have the health care facilities to handle vacationers who suddenly become ill with COVID-19.

By all accounts, the best thing anyone can do is just stay home.

cseto@therecord.com

Twitter: @SetoRecord

— With files from Liz Monteiro

lmonteiro@therecord.com

Twitter: @MonteiroRecord

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