Castlegar residents appear to be doing a good job respecting the COVID-19 related public health orders.
“For the most part there appears to be good compliance,” said city spokesperson Bree Seabrook.
While authorities have had to respond to a few complaints, patrols by the City of Castlegar’s education team are finding most people are following the rules.
The city’s education team includes the bylaw officer, the fire department and RCMP. Patrols are done throughout the day at all parks and playgrounds and at other locations throughout the city.
The city says that there have not been any particular areas of concern noted during those patrols.
The patrols have also found that when people are observed in small groups, they are usually with their immediate family or are all from the same household.
Castlegar RCMP are attending and responding to COVID-related complaints and referring them on when necessary.
Between March 1 and April 28 local RCMP have dealt with eight Public Health Act files, 15 COVID-19-related complaints and are dealing with four Quarantine Act files by checking in on international travellers returning home.
Local RCMP are also reporting an increase in vehicle traffic over the last week compared to the early stages of the pandemic. But it is unknown where these drivers are going, and if they are just out for essential services or are giving in to cabin fever.
So far the RCMP has only had to report one incident to either Interior Health or the Public Health Officer — a business in a rural area possibly operating in contravention of public health orders.
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There have been no fines issued locally for the resale of personal protective equipment.
Washrooms in city parks remain closed, but city council will be looking at a report at their May 4 meeting to see how reopening could be achieved, and what the cost would be.
Residents can report clear breaches of provincial health orders by emailing covid@castlegar.ca. So far, most concerns coming into the city relate to local businesses rather than parks and city spaces.
If you have concerns about how COVID-19 may be affecting municipal operations, the city’s Facebook page has daily updates.
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betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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