Insp. Brent Secondiak says Medicine Hat police are monitoring places like grocery stores to ensure compliance with COVID-19 rules, but says exemptions apply to certain places and the public may not always know what those are.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
How you shop at the retail stores that remain open has changed considerably with several members of the public expressing concern that social-distancing is not being adequately enforced.
Insp. Brent Secondiak, Medicine Hat Police Service, says some warnings have been issued but so far no tickets for those who are not maintaining the requirements during COVID-19 restrictions.
On March 27, Alberta’s chief medical officer made a public health order that included prohibiting gatherings in groups of more than 15 people.
The next day law enforcement agencies were given authority to enforce this and issue tickets with a specified $1,000 fine for violations. Restrictions include gatherings of no more than 15 people with exemptions for certain essential services and facilities (https://www.alberta.ca/essential-services.aspx).
“But there are exemptions for grocery stores, shopping centres,” said Secondiak, noting they are expected to have mitigation strategies.
“I have to tell you we’ve had officers … high profile, in many of the retail stores,” said Secondiak, who feels that for the most part everyone in Medicine Hat is doing a good job adjusting to the new restrictions.
Secondiak suggests some people are not complying because they lack the knowledge and others are upset about what they perceive to be a violation because they are also not fully aware of requirements and recommendations.
“When you’re inside a retail store it’s just about showing people respect, keeping as much distance as you can and following other mitigation strategies,” said Secondiak.
Police have been working with the managers of some stores, he says.
Secondiak suggests that when people approach you too closely you just respectfully ask them to maintain a safe distance.
In some cases a new restriction or announcement is made by the province at a press conference and the order to police does not follow for one or two days, said Secondiak.
“It is not enforceable until we have that order.”
To report a concern of a breach of the preceding Public Health Orders pertaining to “individuals,” contact the MHPS non-emergency line at 403-529-8481, or file a complaint using the MHPS mobile app, via Crime Tips.
Secondiak notes if you have a complaint about a “business” not complying you should notify AHS online:
https://ephisahs.albertahealthservices.ca/create-case/
