Spot a COVIDIOT? Use Richmond Hill hotline to report coronavirus rulebreakers

Bylaw officers have investigated more than 140 reported incidents so far

Yorkregion.com
April 20, 2020
Sheila Wang

The City of Richmond Hill has set up a dedicated phone number and an email address for reports of businesses and residents violating the emergency orders and municipal closures amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Bylaw officers have investigated more than 140 reports of non-compliance with COVID-19-related orders in Richmond Hill, according to a press release issued by the city on Friday, April 17.

The reports included non-essential workplaces in operation, individuals using closed park amenities and residents gathering in large groups, the statement said.

Richmond Hill residents can now report their concerns about the COVID-19 infractions to the city by:

• calling 905-747-6400 during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or

• emailing bylaw@richmondhill.ca (seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Residents should be prepared to provide their name and contact information, along with details of the infraction. Response times may vary depending on available resources, according to the press release.

The announcement came about two weeks after the city decided to issue a minimum fine of $750 to those who continue to use the closed parks in the city.

“I am deeply disturbed and disappointed, as I know many of you are, by reports about individuals choosing not to join the fight against COVID-19. We will get through this faster if we all work together,” Mayor Dave Barrow said in the press release.

The confirmed COVID-19 cases have been rapidly growing over the past month in York Region. There have been 968 cases, including 46 fatalities, as of April 17 at 5 p.m.

The COVID-19-related death toll in Richmond Hill has climbed up to three earlier this week.

Richmond Hill has decided earlier to extend the closure of facilities until May 31, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Bylaw officers are patrolling parks and public spaces in Richmond Hill and, in partnership with York Regional Police, will respond to reports of activities or individuals believed to be putting the community at risk, the press release stated.

“We will get through this faster if we all work together. Everyone must do their part to stop this virus and protect Richmond Hill,” Barrow said.