With a state of emergency and stay-at-home order in effect, Timmins Police will be focusing on several areas for enforcing COVID-19 restrictions.
The provincial state of emergency was declared Tuesday, effective today (Jan. 14) Ontarians are required to stay at home except to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, access health care services, exercise or work. In Northern Ontario, schools are open for in-person learning.
Timmins Police are waiting for clarification on the emergency order changes from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). Corporate communications co-ordinator Marc Depatie said "it would be fair to say" the central focus for local enforcement will be focused on groups of more than five, mandatory wearing of masks, and physical distancing in public.
Under the new orders, police officers, bylaw officers, and provincial workplace inspectors can issue tickets to people not complying with the stay-at-home order or not wearing a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces, and businesses not enforcing requirements under the order.
"There is no distinct “division of labour” between TPS officers and City of Timmins by-law enforcement in regards to COVID-19 restriction violations," said Depatie.
"That said, any perceived violations of the 25 per cent capacity restriction for big box stores will likely, in most cases, fall to by-law enforcement.
"It should be noted that compliance among the business community in Timmins in regards to COVID-19 restrictions has been stellar so far and we have no reason to believe that this will not continue."
As part of regular patrols, Depatie said police will be monitoring neighbourhoods and address any apparent violations of the restrictions.
"We will also respond to calls for service regarding any apparent violations of the restrictions. In either case, officers will use their discretion in a responsible fashion, taking all factors into consideration," he said.
"Most often, charges will be laid as a last resort and only when the violation is completely obvious and willfully committed. As always, we are counting on common sense, good judgment, and anticipate a continuation of the compliance level that we have observed thus far in the pandemic."
According to the Canadian Press, police do not have the authority to randomly stop people to ensure compliance.
Depatie said police won't be stopping vehicles "solely determine or confirm whether or not a COVID restriction compliance breach has occurred."
"However, we will continue to make traffic stops as the result of having observed a Highway Traffic Act offence (for example) or to verify driver sobriety," he said.
"Our mandate to enhance roadway safety remains intact despite the COVID restrictions."
