While the Saskatchewan RCMP says they’ve seen hundreds of COVID-19 related calls, the Lloydminster detachment says their numbers have remained relatively flat.
Provincial RCMP numbers show 894 calls for COVID-19 concerns across the province from March 1st to April 16th. These numbers break down to 229 complaints of social gatherings of over 10 people, 395 complaints of people failing to self-isolate when allegedly required, and 270 other COVID-19 related complaints.
Constable Michael Hagel of the Lloydminster RCMP says they haven’t received a large number of calls related to COVID-19, and the ones they have have been wrapped up quickly.
“We do get the occasional call, where people are saying there’s too many in a group. We go chat them up, and generally, they’re in the same family, following the guidelines set by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.”
Hagel adds that the RCMP is still there to answer all of residents concerns through the pandemic, and are well prepared to handle an actual COVID-related emergency.
“We have proper PPE, we have masks, we have gloves, we have eye protection, and if it is a COVID-19 file, we’ll probably have the ambulance attend as well.”
Across Saskatchewan, there have been thirteen charges laid in total for breaking the Public Health Act. None of these charges have been laid in Lloydminster.