Mayor of Niverville Myron Dyck is calling on members of the community to communicate with those disobeying public health orders.

The plea was strengthened by fines for both individuals and businesses formalized by the provincial government on Thursday.

“Our physical, emotional, mental, relational, and financial well beings are under attack,” expresses Dyck, “and I’ll be honest, it sucks.”

The Mayor compared our current situation with the challenges of a workout. “That last rep is in front of you, it will require the most effort, tear the most muscle, causing a great deal of pain, but provide the most long-lasting benefits.”

Dyck did not mince words after when explaining what kind of world we are entering. “Do not be fooled,” warned Dyck, “the lawyers in this world are licking their chops at the greatest potential for civil suits should one be found to be in breach of public health order or provincial protocol.”

The Mayor says he has received two emails indicating groups larger than ten have gathered in town and asks that those who witness such behaviour to confront it in a kind manner.

“If you see this occurring and you are the type of person who can talk to them with respect, not in anger or losing self-control, including even if they respond by rolling their eyes to you or flipping you the bird, then please do so. If you cannot, however, please do not approach them.”

Additionally, Dyck asks that visitors to personal care homes not pass goods through the window and risk infecting both residents and staff.

“My mother is in a personal care home and I haven’t seen her for weeks,” shares the Mayor. “She suffers from dementia and I can see her cry through the window because she doesn’t understand, and it breaks my heart.”