Photos and video have been published across social media of fire department trucks, police and ambulances with sirens blaring to give drive-by birthday parades. But the provincial government wants the activity to stop.

Municipal Affairs Minister Derrick Bragg says such activity is not consistent with the government line of essential travel only.

In a statement, the Minister said, “While the Department appreciates the support that communities are providing, such parades are not consistent with the recommended approach to limit vehicular travel in the province for essential reasons only.”

Officials are requesting that members of the public continue practicing physical distancing and refrain from holding such parades.

Bay Roberts Fire Rescue got ahead of the Minister’s letter, letting residents of the town know that firefighters are also expected to stay at home except for necessary travel.

We have received quite a few requests for Fire Truck drive-by celebrations. We have no choice but to stop all birthday celebration drive-by requests of Fire Trucks. 2/

— BayRobertsFireRescue (@BayRobertsFire) April 4, 2020