RCMP details COVID calls in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s RCMP has responded to 3,300 calls related to COVID-19 since March.

In a media release Monday, the Mounties said 49 of those calls have resulted in charges.

“The vast majority of COVID-related calls for service were resolved by educating individuals about the Public Health Orders (PHO) in place and the potential health and enforcement consequences that can result from non-compliance with the PHO,” the release said.

“As police officers, we are responsible for ensuring our actions do not put others at risk while doing our part to slow the spread of the virus. We need you to do the same and this starts by following and familiarizing yourself with the PHOs.”

During the month of November, the RCMP received 342 COVID-related calls. Those included 128 complaints about individuals not self-isolating as required, 92 calls about large gatherings, 20 regarding mask use, 14 calls to check on travellers and 88 other complaints.

Seven people were charged for violating The Public Health Act.

Four individuals — two in the north-central area of the province and one in each of the far northwest and far north-central zones — were charged with not self-isolating despite being advised to do so by local health authorities.

As well, three people were fined for holding large gatherings. Those occurred in each of the far northeast, far north-central and far northwest zones.

Each charge is a Summary Offence Ticket Information (SOTI).

The Mounties also said detachments in areas of the province where there are increased numbers of positive COVID cases may temporarily limit public access to emergency requests for service only.

In late September, for example, the Yorkton detachment was closed to the public for two weeks after an officer tested positive.

Meanwhile, an outbreak was declared Wednesday at the Maidstone detachment. That means at least two cases were identified there.