When it comes to enforcing the Stay At Home order, city police say they will be following the Health Unit’s lead.
Chief Sylvie Hauth explains you should expect them to focus on educating the public first, and using enforcement as a last result.
She says they’ll take a reasonable approach when it comes to laying charges.
“We will respond as necessary as the situation dictates. We will continue to work with Health Unit Inspectors, who are currently the primary investigative authority on compliance charges,” Hauth says.
The Health Unit and police will focus on ensuring that only permitted businesses are open, that gatherings are limited to five people, that people are wearing masks when required, and that people are physically distancing in businesses and organizations.
Hauth stresses the health care system is in a dire situation and an escalated response is required to nip the spread in the bud.
The Chief adds the province’s stay-at-home orders don’t apply to homeless people.
“The Thunder Bay Police Service, along with our partner organizations continue to be sensitive to their needs,” she says.
