A Black Lives Matter solidarity march set to be held in Guelph Saturday afternoon could potentially see hundreds of people gathering in front of city hall.

Public health officials are calling on people who plan to attend the march to wear masks, carry hand sanitizer and try not to touch others in the crowd.

"This is a very important event," Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health's medical officer of health and CEO Dr. Nicola Mercer said.

"I also care about the protesters and I care very much about their safety for them and for their families and loved ones," she said.

Mercer also recommended people wear sunglasses or some sort of face shield to protect their eyes.

"If you can physically distance yourselves, and I say that probably won't be a reality to be six feet [apart], but just really be mindful that in the time of protest, that this is still a respiratory droplet disease," she said.

"If you have any symptoms, please protect others, please show your support from the sidelines, but stay home if you have symptoms. You don't want to affect and infect other protesters."

City officials say they expect the event to be a peaceful demonstration. City hall itself, along with the pavilion and publish washrooms will not be open during the event and parking will not be permitted along Carden Street.

Police have advised of traffic delays and a lack of parking in the downtown core on Saturday afternoon.

"We support the community's right to bring their concerns forward and be heard on this important issue through the planned peaceful protest," a statement from Guelph Police Services Board chair Robert Carter said. "This event will see our community stand in solidarity to call for an end to anti-Black racism and to take action against discrimination. Your voice matters."

A similar demonstration in Kitchener on Wednesday saw thousands of people walk through the downtown core holding signs.

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the acting medical officer of health for the Region of Waterloo, said she was pleased to see so many people wearing masks at the event. She has advised people who attended the march to self-monitor themselves for symptoms for at least 14 days.

She also said anyone who shows symptoms or who is concerned they may have contracted the virus should be tested.