Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is promising to crack down on non-complaint gatherings in an effort to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
Those found in violation could face a fine. Since the pandemic began in March, DRPS has issued 15 tickets and laid 11 charges under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA); seven tickets and seven charges under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA); and three tickets under the Quarantine Act, said a police statement.
Since March, there have been approximately 3,405 calls for non-compliance issues related to Covid-19 (gatherings, non-compliant businesses etc.), it added.
“Police will continue enforcing non-complaint gatherings in partnership with Durham Public Health and local by-law and issuing tickets when necessary.”
As Covid-19 numbers are continuing to rise across the province, residents are reminded to adhere to the rules around social gatherings in Ontario. Officers have been called to enforce several non-compliant group gatherings under Durham Region’s provincial “Red Zone” designation. Currently gatherings are limited to 5 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
Police said citizens can report a gathering of more than 5 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, or a non-compliant business on www.drps.ca under Online Services – Community Concerns. As a secondary option, citizens can call the DRPS non-emergency line at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5802 and leave a message. The DRPS will endeavor to respond to these calls in a timely manner, however, our focus continues to be on emergency calls for service.
Decline in all crime categories
There has been a decline in all crime categories since the pandemic began, compared with the same time period last year. Assaults and sexual assaults have seen the greatest decline among violent crime, while theft reports have experienced the greatest drop among property crimes. Collisions also saw a sharp decline. All areas began moving toward a normal range by late summer and continue to do so.
Following our last update on November 1, 2020, six more DRPS member have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number to 12; nine have since recovered. A reminder that for the safety of all motorists, DRPS will be maintaining physical distancing and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting roadside impaired investigations.