Sarnia's police chief says the majority of residents continue to cooperate when it comes to COVID-19 enforcement.
Norm Hansen told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Wednesday that the number of calls is beyond one thousand now.
"Between us and [city] bylaw, well over one thousand reported calls," said Hansen. "I believe bylaw might be up to five charges now, we've laid two, one on a business and one on an individual. So when you look at those numbers, obviously when we show up or when bylaw shows up and say the rule is this, most people are just saying thank you very much and they're dispersing."
The city's first COVID-19 ticket was issued by police April 6 to a 72-year-old man who allegedly broke quarantine after being out-of-country. Controversy has swirled around the incident with the individual reportedly fighting the charge in court.
Chief Hansen said he's hopeful the public follows pandemic orders and protocols during the upcoming Victoria Day weekend.
"We always adjust our numbers for holiday weekends, COVID or not, as a normal May 24 weekend. The only difference is that it doesn't sound like a lot of people are going to be going to Grand Bend like normal or their cottages like normal, so we'll probably have more enforcement locally," he said.
The police chief said we'll see what happens as restrictions are gradually eased but if everyone continues to do the right thing, "maybe we'll beat this thing."
-With files from Sue Storr
