The city and Sarnia police have established an information hotline to crack down on those who ignore emergency orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A news release late Tuesday afternoon said a number of agencies have been receiving calls from people concerned about individuals and businesses who are in violation of emergency orders and directives.
"To help ease the demands on call centers operated by our emergency partners, the Sarnia Police Service and the City of Sarnia have collaborated to establish an information hotline through which concerned community members may act on information about businesses and individuals who are not complying with emergency orders and directives that are in effect," the statement said.
Members of the public can report their concerns by email at covid@sarnia.ca or by phone at 1-877-4-SARNIA (1-877-472-7642) or 519-332-0330. The hotlines will be monitored between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Residents are asked to include as much detail as available, including your name, the date of the incident, the noncompliance event, and the time and location when making a report.
Bylaw Services will investigate all concerns reported as appropriate but, given the volume of calls expected, may not report back to individual complainants.
Mayor Mike Bradley said 911 is for emergencies only.
“Don’t be a Covididiot," Bradley said in the news release. "Don’t call 911 unless it’s an emergency. If you have a concern about COVID 19 pandemic issues, use the Hotline email address or phone number to report.”
Sarnia Police Chief Norm Hansen thanked everyone who has taken the pandemic seriously.
"As of last evening, the Province of Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health has mandated the immediate closure of all outdoor recreational amenities such as sports fields and playgrounds. While our initial focus will be on educating the public, we will not hesitate to impose fines when appropriate," Hansen said. "If we can all do our part, we will beat this deadly virus together and be able to return to our normal lives sooner.”