Chatham-Kent police won't be actively pursuing those breaking the latest stay at home order by the province but will continue to educate the public about COVID-19 measures and respond to complaints.
In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, the Chatham Kent Police Service said its officers will not be randomly stopping vehicles or pedestrians for the sole purpose of checking for compliance with the stay-at-home order but will continue to be proactive in an effort to educate citizens if an offence is observed. It also said it will assess and prioritize complaints with municipal bylaw officers.
Police are asking the citizens of Chatham-Kent for their cooperation and to use common-sense in these challenging times. They are pleading with the public to limit their trips outside of the home, to wear a mask, to social distance, and to wash their hands. Police added, now more than ever, the community needs to rally together for the health and safety of everyone in Chatham-Kent.
“Community safety has been and remains our number one priority throughout this pandemic. Our Police Service is committed to working with community partners in balancing overall public safety and health. Officers will continue to engage and educate the citizens of our community in an effort to seek compliance, with enforcement being used as the last resort,” said Chief Gary Conn.
Complaints and concerns regarding COVID-19 violations should be reported by calling 311 or by emailing COVID19Enforcement@chatham-kent.ca.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said the new measures are meant to protect people and they shouldn't be looking for ways to circumvent the law.
"Unless you have a good reason to leave your home, a necessary reason, stay home." he said.
Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said most people in the municipality have followed the spirit of the law and added those hosting parties and not wearing masks inside public places will find themselves on the wrong side of the law. He promised his bylaw officers won't be lurking around the corner targeting people.
"We're doing everything we can to be reasonable. We're not running around trying to find people to issue tickets but for people being non-complaint we have to say this is no longer acceptable," said Shropshire.
The Ontario Government has declared a second State of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act in response to rising COVID-19 cases across the province. The stay at home order went into effect on Thursday at 12:01 a.m. Orders made under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 will also remain in effect.
Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/enhancing-public-health-and-workplace-safety-measures-provincewide-shutdown for more information. These new restrictions are anticipated to be in place until at least February 11, 2021.
