Durham Police – COVID-19 Response

In Police Blotter

With the COVID-19 numbers continuing to rise across the province, residents are reminded to adhere to the rules around social gatherings in Ontario. Currently gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. This includes outdoor spaces such as parks and school yards; students and guardians are reminded to head home after school pick-up and avoid large gatherings.

Police will be enforcing non-complaint gatherings in Durham Region and issuing tickets when necessary. Those found in violation could face a fine. Citizens can report a gathering of more than 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors, or a non-compliant business on www.drps.ca under Online Services – Community Concerns. As a secondary option, citizens can call the DRPS non-emergency line at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 5802 and leave a message. The DRPS will endeavor to respond to these calls in a timely manner, however, our focus continues to be on emergency calls for service.

Since the pandemic began in mid-March 2020 there has been a significant decline in all crime categories compared with the same time period last year. Assaults and sexual assaults have seen the greatest decline among violent crime, while theft reports have experienced the greatest drop among property crimes. Collisions also saw a sharp decline. All areas began moving toward a normal range by late summer and continue to do so.

Earlier this month, DRPS issued its first ticket under the Quarantine Act after a resident of Pickering was found to be non-compliant with quarantine measures after returning from another country.

Since March, there have been approximately 3, 211 calls for non-compliance issues related to COVID-19 (gatherings, non-compliant businesses etc.). Please continue to socially distance, avoid unnecessary gatherings and continue to wear a mask wherever they are mandated.

Following our last update on September 25, 2020, one more DRPS member tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number to 6; all have since recovered.  A reminder that for the safety of all motorists, DRPS will be maintaining physical distancing and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting roadside impaired investigations.

For the most up-to-date public information about COVID-19 in Durham Region, refer to www.durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus. Citizens can contact Durham Public Health via email at health@durham.ca, or by phone at 1-800-841-2729 or 905-668-2020.The Region of Durham’s website has a comprehensive list of community services: https://www.durham.ca/en/regional-government/covid-19-community-resources.aspx

For information about supports for victims of crime, please visit https://victimservicesdurham.ca/ for Victim Services of Durham Region.

Youth who need support or assistance can use Kids Help Home by visiting https://kidshelpphone.ca/ or calling 1-800-668-6868.

Call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659 for clarification whether a situation falls under the non-compliance orders. Assistance is available Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information visit: ontario.ca/stopthespread.

DRPS officers continue to patrol your communities to keep them safe and respond to emergencies as they arise. Like the rest of the community, we are practicing physical distancing and following personal protective protocols as required.

In emergencies, please call 9-1-1. If you want to contact us about a non-emergency, please call 1-888-579-1520. You can report less serious crimes on our website www.drps.ca under Online Services.

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Quinte West OPP – “Routine” Traffic Stop Discovers 14 People in Van

A routine traffic stop in Quinte West has led to the disruption of a potential human trafficking operation. On Friday,

Read More...

Queenies Bake Shop in Port Hope Prepares for 14th Annual Free Thanksgiving Meal

Adam Pearson from Queenies Bake Shop on Walton Street spent Saturday, October 11, 2025 preparing for his stores annual

Read More...

Breaking News – Three Toronto Area Women Taken into Custody by Port Hope Police

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGVbASDm8L8 Three women from the Toronto area were taken into custody by Port Hope Police on Saturday, October 11, 2025. At

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu