The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has launched a COVID-19 enforcement violation phone and email line.
Municipal officials say on March 24, the Ontario government issued new emergency orders prohibiting the operation of non-essential businesses and organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people.
The government has also closed outdoor recreational amenities.
Chatham-Kent residents who have concerns about non-essential businesses, use of public playgrounds or social gatherings of more than five people can now report their concerns via phone or email, Municipal officials say.
To report a concern, individuals can call 519-360-1998, 24-hours a day, seven days a week or email Covid19enforcement@chatham-kent.ca.
John Norton, general manager of community development says the Municipality hopes there are minimal calls into the line “as people are obeying the orders which help protect their own and others’ health.
“But in the event this is not happening, enforcement officers will have the ability to lay fines to ensure compliance of the Provincial and Municipal closures,” Norton said in a media release.
Emails and/or calls that will be investigated through this line include concerns related to:
– Non-essential businesses that are not closed
– Use of all municipally-owned playground equipment including publicly owned basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, dog parks, community gardens, park shelters and BMX and skate parks.
– Social gatherings where there are more than five people. An exception has been made for funerals which are allowed to take place with up to 10 people in attendance.
CK Public Health has made a full list of closures available at: www.ckpublichealth.com/closures
Municipal officials say Gary Conn, Chatham-Kent’s Chief of Police, is pleased to learn that the enforcement email and phone line will be opening, as it is critical that people do not call 911 so that it is kept free for emergencies.
Further details regarding the Government of Ontario’s mandatory orders can be found in these following links.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200082
https://files.ontario.ca/solgen-oic-gatherings-events-2020-03-28.pdf
https://files.ontario.ca/solgen-oic-parks-and-rec-2020-03-30.pdf
