There is now a COVID-19 snitch line in Chatham-Kent.
To report a concern, call 519-360-1998 24/7 or email covid19enforcement@chatham-kent.ca
The snitch line comes a week after the province issued 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.
So, if you see people violating these government decrees, you have ways to report them.
John Norton, General Manager of Community Development, said municipal officials hope people are respecting the self-distancing and other restrictions.
“Our hope is that there are minimal calls into the line as people are obeying the orders which help protect their own and others’ health,” he said in a media release. “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.”
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
Gary Conn, Chatham-Kent’s Chief of Police said it is important that people use the COVID-19 violation line and email rather than 911, so 911 can be kept free for emergencies.
