RELEASE — Kingston Police and the City of Kingston are asking residents to do their part in combatting the spread of COVID-19. Remember that following direction from health authorities can help save lives.
“The priority of Kingston Police is to ensure our community and our members are safe during this unprecedented health crisis,” says Kingston Police Chief Antje McNeely. “We recognize that this is a stressful time, with many people feeling a sense of uncertainty and instability within our community. Take comfort in knowing that we continue to respond to emergency calls for service, pursue investigations, maintain traffic enforcement, and proactively patrol to ensure the safety of our community.”
What’s enforceable?
The following violations can result in a charge under the Quarantine Act or Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA):
* Offences relating to non-essential businesses that remain open, in contravention of the EMCPA
* Offences relating to organized public events and social gatherings of more than 5 people, in contravention of the EMCPA
* Violations of the Quarantine Act where an individual does not abide by mandatory 14-day self-isolation
* Prohibited use of a playground and park amenities in Kingston
What’s essential?
The following additional directions from health authorities are considered to be essential in combatting the spread of COVID-19 but are, at this point, currently not enforceable under the Quarantine Act or EMCPA.
* Physical (social) distancing of the recommended 2 metres (6 feet)
* Sanitary actions like hand-washing, sanitizing surfaces or coughing/sneezing into one’s arm
* Avoiding non-essential travel including visits to those outside of your household
“We understand that this is a stressful time for many in our community, but by following the directions of health authorities, we can work together to combat the spread of COVID-19,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “It’s also important to emphasize that physical distancing doesn’t mean social isolation. Take some time to connect with a friend, relative or neighbour by phone, email or video chat.”
This City reminds residents as we move into the Easter long weekend to adhere to physical distancing directions and stay at least 2 metres (6 feet) apart at all times while walking through City parks or using City trails. Use of any closed park amenities, including playground equipment, benches, basketball and other sports courts, is prohibited and enforceable.
Reporting enforceable infractions
On Tuesday evening, City Council passed a bylaw which allows enforcement by Municipal Enforcement Officers and Kingston Police to enforce any emergency orders passed by the City under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. At this point in time however, no local orders have been issued, and all potential infractions of provincial and federal orders should be reported to the following agencies accordingly.
Call Kingston Police non-emergency line at 613-549-4660 for:
* Organized public or social gatherings of more than 5 people
* Use of outdoor recreational amenities (e.g. basketball court, soccer field, park bench, park picnic table, playground structures)
Submit an online complaint to KFL&A Public Health for:
* Non-essential businesses that are open
* Essential businesses that are not compliant
* Self-isolation for returning travellers, under the Quarantine Act
Stay up-to-date with the City’s COVID-19 changes. Find answers to your COVID-19 questions from KFL&A Public Health.
Release: City of Kingston
Photo: Kingston Police
