https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2020/07/25/manifestation-a-montreal–la-covid-cest-toute-de-la-but

This afternoon in Montreal Quebec

WWG1WGA

A demonstration against wearing a mask is currently taking place at the foot of Mount Royal in Montreal, where hundreds of people have gathered to express their anger and skepticism about the COVID-19 pandemic and the health measures imposed by public health.

• Read also: 171 additional cases in Quebec

Begun at the stroke of noon, the peaceful demonstration brought together citizens who categorically refuse to wear the mask, some preferring to have their groceries delivered than to go in person to the store and have to comply with Quebec regulations.

“Everyone is free to choose, it is a fundamental right. This is what is important. People who want to wear the mask can wear it and people who do not want to wear the mask should have the right not to wear it, ”argues a protester met on site.

Others believe that wearing a mandatory mask goes too far in a context where the number of positive cases and deaths remains low in Quebec, while some firmly believe that COVID-19 is fiction.

"I don’t wear a mask myself, COVID is all bullshit,” one of them says. I've never been vaccinated and never had anything. "

Social distancing between the demonstrators was no more there than the wearing of masks, while those present did not hesitate to hug and come closer despite the contrary instructions from public health.

The most recent report from Quebec health authorities shows 171 new cases and 3 additional deaths, bringing the total to 58,414 infected people and 5,666 deaths.

Globally, the pandemic has claimed more than 641,000 lives, according to the latest tally from Johns Hopkins University, which tracks the course of the coronavirus.

Animosity towards the media

The TVA Nouvelles team was the victim of numerous invectives from several demonstrators, who clearly did not appreciate the presence of the media on the scene. Our reporter also received a can of beer on him as he walked through the crowd, in addition to being the victim of intimidation.

Uplifting moment of my working day on this beautiful sunny Saturday! Demonstration against the compulsory wearing of a mask. @ Tvanouvelles # COVID19 pic.twitter.com/OQ2GfWQeJT

- Yves Poirier (@poirieryvesTVA) July 25, 2020