It’s not snitching if it saves lives: Ways to report COVID-19 rule breakers
By GILLIAN SLADE on April 1, 2020.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade There are a couple ways you can now report an organization or individual that you believe is not complying with the requirements to self-isolate. To protect the health and safety of all Albertans, on March 26 law enforcement agencies were given the authority to enforce public health orders and issue tickets with a specified $1,000 fine for violations. To report a concern about a possible breach of a Public Health Order, by an individual, contact the Medicine Hat Police Service non-emergency line: 403-529-8481. You can also file a complaint using the MHPS mobile app via Crime Tips. Alberta Health Services also continues to investigate offences involving businesses, and they will be working closely with members of MHPS. To submit a complaint regarding a business, report this to AHS Public Health via an online portal at: https://ephisahs.microsoftcrmportals.com/create-case. Alberta Health’s website gives up-to-date information and current requirements regarding self-isolation and much more: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx#p22780s A mandatory 14-day self-isolation period is required for returning international travellers and those who have had close contact with people who tested positive for COVID-19. A mandatory 10-day self-isolation period is in place for people with symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health conditions. These symptoms include a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat. There are strict regulations regarding gatherings and this is legally enforceable and subject to fines. No gatherings of more than 15 people are allowed. There are even restrictions that apply to smaller gatherings in certain circumstances. Public transit is still permitted providing physical distancing is in place. There are also specific measures and restrictions for all nursing homes, designated supportive living and long-term care facilities, seniors’ lodges and any facility in which residential addiction treatment services are offered under the Mental Health Services Protection Act. For local updates and information from the City of Medicine Hat: https://www.medicinehat.ca/what-s-new/covid-19-updates 18-17
