COVID-19 may be a concern for the north right now, but few people are calling the cops about it.
Sergeants from both Flin Flon and Creighton RCMP have reported little to no calls relating to social distancing, health offences or violations of provincial states of emergency.
“So far, we have received just one call regarding any social distancing aspect of COVID-19 - that was dealt with by way of warning,” said Flin Flon RCMP Sgt. Mark Svaren. No calls relating to social distancing, workplace or health violations have been made to police since the early days of the outbreak.
On the Saskatchewan side, a couple calls have come in to the authorities regarding COVID-19-related concerns.
“We are not seeing any COVID-19 cases or issues. There were maybe two calls in the initial days, however they were all unfounded issues that would not even be a police matter,” said Creighton RCMP Sgt. Sean McPhee.
McPhee said the detachment has heard very little about people not social distancing or holding events, adding much of their day-to-day operation has to with - literally and figuratively - their usual suspects.
“Most people are doing as best they can. It is the normal clients that we deal with that are not concerned about any such issues,” McPhee said.
Svaren added that people with COVID-19 concerns or reports in Manitoba are asked to contact Manitoba Public Health, along with mentioning the RCMP plan on assisting public health officials in the community and provincially if needed.
“At present, Manitoba Public Health is still the first point of contact for all things COVID-19, including possible violations under the rules that have been set out by the province,” said Svaren.
“RCMP will assist with enforcement of the various sections of the acts that pertain to COVID-19.”
According to Svaren, the number to call to report violations of social distancing in Manitoba is the provincial government inquiry line at 204-945-3744.
