Richmond is chopping down cherry trees throughout the city, because people aren't keeping to social-distancing rules while viewing them.
Although the pandemic is waning, flocking around trees in large groups could cause Omicron to be reinvigorated.
This has been exacerbated by a photo contest launched by the Richmond News, whereby readers were asked to send in photos.
Hundreds of submissions have been sent to the News, but there are clear signs of large groups of people under the cherry trees, close together, sometimes hugging. Many of these people don’t appear to be staying within their bubble.
Thirty-two workers will be around the city cutting down these pink flowering trees today -- April 1.
Happy April Fool's Day :)
