The George Street Association is responding to a social media storm from over the weekend after pictures of large, non-socially-distanced crowds at the George Street Festival were met with criticism online.

The Association says they promoted a “safety first” message on their website and social media prior to the beginning, encouraging people to wear masks and make use of sanitization stations.

They note that increased security and staff have been on hand for the concerts along with controlled entry onto the street, large screens to encourage physical distancing, and decreased capacity from previous years.

The Association states that everyone who attends the festival shares the responsibility of ensuring public safety.

Meanwhile, Premier Andrew Furey saw the pictures that were shared online and is concerned.

He says it’s expected that the rules laid out by Public Health will be followed, and they will be looking closer at what transpired over the weekend.