Photo: Castanet Staff

Police in Kamloops have been routinely responding to COVID-related calls in recent weeks, but only two enforcement tickets have been doled out since the pandemic took hold in March.

The most recent was last week, when an international student at Thompson Rivers University was ticketed for repeatedly violating quarantine laws. In November, a Kamloops man was issued $3,000 in tickets for hosting a 10-person poker game.

“Kamloops has been fortunate in that many members of the public are respecting the prevention orders from the public health authorities that are not optional,” Evelyn said.

According to Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP have been dealing with 14 to 25 COVID-related calls weekly since the start of December.

On five occasions, police have been called regarding protests.

“Most of the complaints appear to be related to social distancing and the absence of masks,” Evelyn said.

“For social distancing, police have received reports ranging from people loitering too close together, to neighbours having too many vehicles in their driveway, company over or throwing parties.”

Evelyn said Mounties will take enforcement action when necessary.

“While we certainly can and will enforce the provisions available to us, we continue to encourage everyone to voluntarily comply with the provincial health orders so ticketing is not required,” she said.

“The RCMP’s focus remains on educating and encouraging everyone to follow the measures set out by public health authorities first.”