Only two weeks after bars and clubs were allowed to reopen, shocking reports and images are circulating of people gathering in dense crowds at some nightclubs in the downtown St. John’s area.

Don-E Coady, a spokesperson with the George Street Association, says no one is more upset with images of weekend crowds failing to social distance than the owners and management of the clubs involved.

Coady says members are committed, but struggling, to ensure that patrons are kept safe. He says they’re disappointed to see that not everyone is adhering to measures in place to keep people safe.

He indicates that many didn’t expect the “rush” to the downtown, and they’re working on addressing that as quickly as possible.

Last week, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald offered a dim view of the images she saw from local clubs last weekend.

Dr. Fitzgerald says major outbreaks have been connected to similar behavior in other jurisdictions.

The guidance for bars and lounges is similar to that of restaurants—customers must exercise physical distancing with a limit on the number of patrons at any particular time.

Singing and shouting are also known to spread droplets and increase the risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19.