Kingston Police and City of Kingston remind residents to follow emergency orders during COVID-19

KINGSTON, ONT./ April 9, 2020 – 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 the evening of April 7, 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 at Kflaph.ca/COVID19Complaints for:

-       Non-essential business that are open

-       Essential businesses that are not compliant

-       Self-isolation for returning travellers, under the Quarantine Act

Stay up-to-date on the City’s COVID-19 precautions: CityofKingston.ca/covid19

About Kingston Police

Kingston Police is dedicated to serving and protecting those within the Kingston community through proactive community-based and problem-solving policing. We strive to achieve this policing model while providing the highest level of professionalism through our core vision, mission and values.

About the City of Kingston

Kingston's vision of being a smart, livable and leading city is fast becoming reality. History and innovation thrive in our dynamic city located along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario, an easy distance from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, in the heart of eastern Ontario. With a stable and diversified economy that includes global corporations, innovative startups and all levels of government, Kingston's high quality of life offers access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.