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.
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
