The OPP is ensuring they are prepared for whatever the pandemic might bring in the days ahead.
OPP Staff Sgt. Carolle Dionne, manager of media relations for the provincial force, said as of now, all holidays for OPP personnel have been nixed.
"To ensure we are operationally prepared to respond to the operational demands associated to COVID-19, vacation leave for OPP members has been suspended," Dionne said, noting requests in exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
"It is critical that the OPP maintains staffing levels that prioritize both officer and public safety and supports the OPP’s ability to maintain police operations province-wide, particularly during this time," Dionne told OrilliaMatters.
"The OPP’s focus remains on our people and our communities. Public safety is of paramount importance," noted Dionne. "Having the necessary resources in place ensures we can maintain the health and wellness of our members while keeping safe those in the communities we serve."
Enforcement could become a bigger issue, officials say, noting some young people don't seem to be getting the message about physical distancing, especially.
Emergency orders now in place from the province to address the COVID-19 outbreak include the closure of non-essential businesses, prohibiting organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people and stopping price gouging on necessary goods such as disinfectant products.
Failing to comply with any of these emergency orders is an offence under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and so is the failure to identify oneself accurately.
Failing to correctly identify oneself carries a fine of $750 or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial offences officer issues a ticket. Failure to comply with an emergency order could also carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation.
These penalties apply in addition to the penalties for breaching other emergency order.
- With files from Dave Dawson
