Kingston Police respond to new COVID-19 restrictions

Kingston Police respond to new COVID-19 restrictions

On April 16, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced new restrictions, including a two-week extension of the current province-wide stay-at-home order, in order to stop the rapid growth of COVID-19 case rates.  It also announced enhanced enforcement measures for police officers under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), to restrict mobility in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The Kingston Police will review the new regulations once released by the government, to determine the most appropriate response for those not in compliance. However, at this time, our current enforcement response will remain the same – both complaint driven or proactive, with the goal of gaining compliance.  Those who refuse to comply will receive the appropriate penalty.

Chief of Police Antje McNeely remarks, “Members of the Kingston Police will not be conducting random vehicle or pedestrian stops.  We will continue with traffic enforcement, engaging with members of the public and responding to calls for service, to keep our community safe. We will continue to do so in a fair and equitable manner.

“It is important to reiterate that everyone in our community has a role to play in stopping the spread and transmission of COVID-19, and that includes staying at home unless for essential reasons, and practicing public health guidelines.  As always, we will be working collaboratively with the City of Kingston and KFL&A Public Health in response to the ever-changing nature of this pandemic.

“Thank you to our members for keeping our community safe.  Thank you to the citizens of Kingston for abiding by the stay-at-home order and doing your part in stopping the spread.”