Lethbridge Police vehicle. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Police enforcing public health orders, say to submit complaints to AHS

Apr 1, 2020 | 10:10 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – After the Government of Alberta discussed the introduction of legislation around public health orders Tuesday, Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has been given direction on the enforcement actions they can take.

Government House Leader Jason Nixon says Bill 10, if passed in the legislature, would allow police and community peace officers to enforce public health orders such as mandatory self-isolation, restrictions on gatherings and businesses, and others.

Under Section 73(1) of the Public Health Act (contravening an order of the Medical Officer of Health) the fine is $1,200 per offence.

Up to this point, Acting Police Chief Scott Woods says they have not yet have to enforce these measures in Lethbridge.

He hopes that it will not have to come to enforcement, that people will follow the rules without police having to get involved.

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If you do need to call the police, Woods asks that you inform them if you are not feeling well so they can ensure they have all of the proper personal protective equipment.

He says there have been a few incidents where people have intentionally coughed or sneezed on officers in the last couple of weeks.

“People need to realize the seriousness of this.”

LPS says, if you observe or are aware of a violation of a Public Health Order, you should report it to the Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) portal here.

“Do not call the non-emergency police complaints line or 911. Anyone who does call these numbers to report Public Health Order violations will be referred to the AHS portal.”

Once a complaint has been received through the online portal, it will be assessed by AHS, assigned, and action will be taken depending on the circumstances.

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