Multiple police forces across Ontario are reporting that they have received numerous calls from people inquiring about the province’s just-enacted stay-at-home order.
As of January 14th at 12:01am, Ontarians are required to remain at home and only go out for essential reasons, like getting groceries or attending medical appointments.
On Twitter, the official Peel Regional Police account noted that its communications team is being “overwhelmed” with 9-11 calls asking about the new lockdown policies.
Our Communicators are being overwhelmed with 911 calls asking about the Stay-at-Home orders.
For your COVID-related questions, please call 311 or click on the link below to assist you. 👇https://t.co/eNtEMTzTveSave 911 for emergencies. pic.twitter.com/dCTRMWl8NP
— Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) January 14, 2021
Peel Police are asking that those with inquiries refer to Ontario’s official website for answers to their questions, stressing that 9-11 should only be used for actual emergencies.
The official South Simcoe Police account shared a similar message, asking that people “don’t tie up emergency lines” with COVID-19 lockdown related inquiries.
Our 911 Communicators are receiving lots of calls with questions about the Stay-At-Home Order.
Please don't tie up emergency lines with these inquiries.
Visit the Ontario government website for all the details https://t.co/CXtXeAVEK2 #StayAtHome#StaySafe pic.twitter.com/vsa7cZNsk5
— South Simcoe Police (@SouthSimcoePS) January 14, 2021
Earlier today, the provincial government also sent out an emergency alert to remind Ontarians of the stay-at-home orders. The Police Association of Ontario, the province’s representative body for Ontario police, took to Twitter to urge Ontarians to not call 911 about this notification, either.
An emergency notification was recently sent out to devices across the province detailing Ontario's new stay-at-home orders, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. today. Please do not call 911 about this notification. Stay home whenever you can to help stop the spread of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/hNp3aTZaOY
— Police Association of Ontario (PAO) (@PoliceAssocON) January 14, 2021
While there have undoubtedly been valid inquiries about the stay-at-home orders, like whether police are able to randomly stop you while you’re out, one thing should be clear: don’t call 9-11 to get answers.
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