No protesters at child vaccine clinic with police presence

North Bay Police Service spokesperson David Woolley reports members of the NBPS were present at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic held Tuesday at St. Joseph–Scollard Hall and confirms "no protesters were present at the clinic."

See original story: Local woman outraged by kids vaccine protest

In the wake of the actions of protesters at a clinic for children held in the city this past weekend, the NBPS announced Tuesday its officers would have an increased presence at future COVID-19 vaccination clinics, warning "criminal behaviour would result in enforcement action."

Woolley says officers were stationed at the school to both ensure public safety and so attendees could safely access healthcare services.

Sunday, without security or police on hand, members of a North Bay family encountered anti-vaccination protesters at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for children held at One Kids Place.

"They verbally assaulted us as we drove in; swearing and screaming," Abby Blaszczyk told BayToday about her arrival at the clinic with her two children and mother. Then, "As we pulled out they screamed at me that I was murdering my child and I was committing genocide."

See related: McDonald to anti-vaxxers: Protest at City Hall. Leave the kids alone

And: NDP demands safety zone legislation to protect against anti-vaxxers

"The North Bay Police Service respects the rights of individuals to peacefully protest," advises Woolley, "but will not tolerate any interference with people’s right to safety when accessing health care and attending a vaccination clinic."

NBPS continues to investigate the original complaint from the Sunday clinic. "Where criminal acts are found to have occurred, police will take appropriate enforcement action, including laying charges,"