Jog.

Bike.

Hike.

Bird watch.

Don’t do it in gatherings.

Don’t do it while congregating.

Follow physical distancing rules.

Don’t use sports fields.

Don’t use play structures.

Think of others.

Be healthy.

Be safe.

Thanks.

— Mayor Cam Guthrie (@CamGuthrie) April 8, 2020

Over the last week, Guthrie has taken to social media to remind residents what is and is not permitted during the ongoing pandemic. He has also pointed to the ways some people have responded to facility closures, such as dumping their waste in green spaces and outside donation bins with the Waste Resource Innovation Centre closed.

Guthrie said while the majority of Guelphites have been following the rules, “right now the way in which we can battle COVID-19 is with 100 per cent participation.”

“Everybody has to be on board, everyone has to be singing from the same song sheet here,” he said, adding his social media posts have been “to get to the final few, the laggards, the people in the back.”

“The good news is that most people are taking it very seriously and following the rules. The issue at hand is that that doesn’t give us a passing grade. We need 100 per cent participation to pass this test.”

Currently, both city police and bylaw officers are able to enforce measures put forth by the province in light of the pandemic, such as barring gatherings of five people or more and ensuring businesses not deemed essential remain closed.

Guthrie said those enforcing those rules may need to step up their efforts.

“In non-pandemic times, bylaw (officers are) there to work on a compliance-based approach, meaning education and information. And although there is a role to play there, it may be time to skip education and skip information and get right to fining people,” the mayor said.

“Instead of having a more reactive approach, maybe we need a more proactive approach. These are the types of thing that are being considered at the city during this time to make sure the rules are being adhered to because of the serious nature we’re in.”