The mayor of Canada's capital Ottawa has declared a state of emergency in response to more than a week of truckers' protests against Covid restrictions. He said the protests posed a threat to the safety and security of residents. The truckers have paralysed the centre of Ottawa with vehicles and tents blocking roads. The "Freedom Convoy" began as a movement against a government requirement that the truckers be vaccinated against Covid. The truckers shutting down Canada's capital How do we know coronavirus vaccines are safe? Which treatments work best against Covid? The mayor did not give specific details about what measures he might impose, but police said on Sunday that they would step up enforcement, including possible arrests of those seeking to aid the protesters. A state of emergency will give the city additional powers, including access to equipment required by frontline workers and emergency services. The mayor did not give specific details about what measures he might impose, but police said on Sunday that they would step up enforcement, including possible arrests of those seeking to aid the protesters. A state of emergency will give the city additional powers, including access to equipment required by frontline workers and emergency services.