County OPP educate and enforce emergency act

Prince Edward County OPP continue to collaborations to ensure community safety during the ongoing health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With its partners, Prince Edward County bylaw officers and Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health, OPP members have been investigating allegations of individuals and businesses defying the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

On April 8, officers investigated multiple allegations that a non-essential business remained open. Following investigation, the owner of a nail salon in Picton was warned by officers to close the business and local public health authorities were notified.

On April 10, officers responded to a reported gathering on County Road 15 in Sophiasburgh. Police educated the group about the potential impacts of defying the province-wide emergency orders currently in place.

On April 12, officers received a report of a gathering at an address on Downes Avenue. Although the group had dispersed upon officer arrival, officers confirmed this was the case and warned the parties that congregating in a group of more than five unrelated people violates the emergency order.

Residents of Prince Edward County can contact the County’s COVID-10 help line at 1-833-676-2148 to speak directly with County staff who can connect them with volunteer-delivered food and other essentials, critical community services and transportation options as well as sources of accurate and reliable public health information.

“We remind everyone that ‘flattening the curve’ requires us to work together to ensure the current short-term restrictions are in place no longer than necessary,” said Const. Aaron Miller, Community Safety and Media Relations Officer.