The mayor of Ottawa declared a state of emergency in the Canadian capital on Sunday as truck drivers opposed to a vaccine mandate continued to occupy some parts of the city.

Mayor Jim Watson said in a statement that the state of emergency "reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations."

He called for an end to the blockade, and appealed for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government.

Canada began requiring truck drivers re-entering the country to be vaccinated against the coronavirus to prevent a further spread of the virus.

Truck drivers from across the country have gathered in Ottawa since late January to oppose the requirement.

Local police say up to about 600 protesters gathered around the parliament and other areas in central Ottawa over the weekend, blocking the streets with about 500 trucks.

The protesters say they will not back down until the government withdraws the vaccination mandate.

The blockades have partially paralyzed daily life and the distribution of goods in the capital. The noise of honking horns and fireworks set off by protesters has also become a nuisance.

There are no signs of authorities getting the situation under control as similar protests spread to Canada's largest city of Toronto, and elsewhere.