Sarnia's police chief is disputing any suggestions his officers have been overzealous in enforcing COVID-19 orders.
Norm Hansen said the police service and city bylaw enforcement have been kept busy answering hundreds of calls.
"Since these rules came into place, between police and bylaw we've answered close to 700 now, well over 600 calls and complaints from neighbours and from passersby that call us and say this person is breaking this rule," said Hansen. "So over 600 calls, and there's been a total of four individuals charged and one business. I really don't think that's very heavy-handed."
Chief Hansen told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9 FM, 1070 AM) Tuesday morning that residents have made good use of the city's COVID information hotline, set up to report potential violations.
The hotline was established at the beginning of the month to help ease the demands on 911.
Hansen said there's still misinformation being spread online, and that organizing a drive-by birthday parade for example is not against the rules.
"You can drive anywhere you want right now," he said. "I've seen rumours on social media that the police are stopping you and asking you where you're going and giving you a ticket if you're not going for groceries. That's just completely false. Yes you can drive by, yes you can honk your horn at your mother or your sister. Getting out and congregating, if you're more than five people, that would technically break the provincial law."
Residents can file complaints about possible pandemic violations by email to covid@sarnia.ca, or by phone at 1-877-472-7642.
The hotline is available Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Messages received after hours are cleared the next business day.
-With files from Sue Storr and Dave Dentinger