Londoners who are disobeying self-isolation orders and non-essential businesses that are still open can now be reported directly to city hall.
The City of London, in partnership with London police and the Middlesex-London Health Unit, announced Friday it has launched a tip line and email account to which people can report violators of COVID-19 related orders. The email account will be monitored around the clock, seven days a week. The phone line will be monitored between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
The email address is COVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca, while the phone number is 519-661-4660.
"Emails and calls that can be managed through this process include concerns about non-essential businesses that are not closed, activities taking place at closed outdoor structures including playgrounds, multi-use courts and skate parks, residents that are gathering in large groups, and individuals who are not following Federal quarantine orders," the city said in a news release issued Friday afternoon.
According to the city, several agencies have been called by residents expressing concern about people and businesses ignoring provincial orders.
“Everyone has the responsibility to follow all of the orders that have been issued by governments, and to take every precaution possible to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Dave O’Brien, Division Manager, Corporate Security and Emergency Management, City of London. “Despite every effort to reinforce the importance of social and physical distancing, we continue to see people who aren’t paying attention. When we receive a call or email through this new process, we will work with our community partners at LPS (London Police Service) and MLHU (Middlesex-London Health Unit) to enforce the restrictions that have been put in place.”
Police Chief Steve Williams said the new process will make sure that 911 lines are kept free for emergency calls.