The City of Guelph will be increasing security at the Market Square splash pad and Lyon Park pool following an alleged assault of an employee on the weekend.
Police were called after a man allegedly intentionally coughed in the face of someone working at the splash pad Sunday.
The mayor took to Twitter saying that the splash pad and other facilities will be shut down if staff are treated disrespectfully while doing their job and enforcing rules and regulations.
A @cityofguelph employee was purposely coughed on this past weekend & now must self-quarantine for 14 days away from family and await COVID-19 test results. #KnockItOff #Guelph pic.twitter.com/2q7NfGVXky
— Mayor Cam Guthrie (@CamGuthrie) June 29, 2020
"The city is increasing security and monitoring the Market Square wading pool and Lyon Leisure pool through next weekend. Behaviour that deliberately compromises the health and safety of employees and/or patrons will force us to reconsider opening pools and recreation facilities," said a city news release.
The city said the employee is self-isolating, away from their children and family, awaiting test results.
The Market Square splash pad officially opened on the weekend, with a fence erected and separate entrance and exit to help control the number of people using it at one particular time so that physical distancing could be maintained.
There are also timed sessions so as many people as needed can get a turn using the area.
"The city and our employees want the same things as most of our citizens; to resume services and enjoy public spaces safely," said the news release.
The city said most people at the wading pool followed the guidelines and several thanked employees for their service.
Guelph Police are investigating the incident and hope to identify the man. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Constable Carson Skipper at 519-824-1212 ext 7283, [email protected], leave an anonymous tip at CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online at csgw.tips.
