City of Regina wants province to go further with restrictions

The City of Regina would like to see the province implement a stay-at-home order in Saskatchewan.

“We have sent a letter to the province about this and they are aware of our concern and our position,” Mayor Michael Fougere said Wednesday at City Hall.

A stay-at-home order would allow people to only leave their homes for essential tasks and to pick up essential items.

Fougere said the city does not have the authority to implement any sort of emergency order, with the provincial emergency orders taking precedence at this time. As such, the city is making a stay-at-home declaration, which relies on people to self-police when it comes to social distancing and staying home.

“If you do go out, that two-metre distance is so critically important to flatten the curve and just conduct yourself in a way that you have a bubble around you, if you will,” Fougere said.

Fougere once again said people were outside in groups over the weekend when the weather reached double digits on the positive side.

“I know (people) are locked up and they’ve got a bit of cabin fever and they want to get out and do things. Their kids are excited too. But the overriding importance here is public safety and people understanding the need to self-police themselves, to know that their conduct today determines what happens tomorrow,” Fougere said.

Fougere said police will continue to determine if warnings are sufficient or if charges will need to be laid against people in groups of more than 10 people.

“(Police) have been warning people. It’s a new proclamation, a new law if you will, and they’ll take the course of action that they deem necessary,” Fougere said. “They have broken up some house parties and lots of activity in Harbour Landing.”

Regina police taking steps

The Regina Police Service has set up a 24-hour phone line for residents who want to report a possible violation of the province’s health order regarding self-isolation or the size of groups.

Concerned citizens can call 1-855-559-5502. Public health officials will join in the investigation.

WATCH: Chief Evan Bray provides new information on the mandated #COVID19 Public Health Order.

A new 24 hour phone line has been launched for those who wish to report an alleged violation of the order. Police will work with Public Health to investigate reports.

☎️1-855-559-5502 pic.twitter.com/DkzSszwBtu

— Regina Police (@reginapolice) April 1, 2020