Truckers in Ottawa have been protesting the country’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Hundreds of trucks and other vehicles are lining the city center and blocking crucial roads.
Ottawa’s mayor declared a state of emergency on Sunday, calling the situation “out of control.”
Truckers in Ottawa, dubbed the “Freedom Convoy,” continue to protest a COVID-19 vaccine mandate that went into effect on January 15, which requires truckers to present proof of vaccination in order to cross the border.
Their trucks, other vehicles, and supporters have lined the city’s streets, blocking major roads near Ottawa’s city center.
Photos show the blocked streets, loyal supporters, and counter-protesters who are urging the group to go home.
Truckers in Ottawa — who have dubbed themselves the Freedom Convoy — have been protesting COVID-19 vaccine mandates for nearly two weeks.
Canada’s mandate, imposed on January 15, requires truckers to present proof of vaccination in order to cross the border. Truckers without a vaccine are required to quarantine and take a COVID-19 test when they return from the US.
To help keep their trucks running, supporters of the protest have been bringing fuel to the vehicles. Ottawa police threatened to arrest anyone caught helping the protesters.
A Canadian judge ruled Monday that the truckers had to stop honking their horns for 10 days, saying the noise from their horns interfered with Ottawa residents’ “right to quiet.”