OLDS — From Dec. 20-27, RCMP found themselves responding to several COVID-19-related concerns.
Cst. Morley Statchuk says during that period, Olds RCMP received three calls related to the virus. One for not wearing a mask and two regarding allegations that too many people were congregating in places, violating the province’s latest COVID restrictions.
As of last week, Olds RCMP has not laid any COVID-related public health order charges.
On the whole, Statchuk said, Olds residents were pretty well-behaved when it came to following COVID restrictions.
That said, from Dec. 20-27 police did respond to eight calls for mental health or well-being checks, up from three during that same period last year.
“It’s a busier season than normal I would say, because of COVID. The increase in mental health complaints and domestic-related complaints as well,” Cpl. Courtney Harding said.
“Definitely coronavirus is making it a very interesting time for us.”
Statchuk agreed.
“I think part of that is that, you know that maybe people are trying to get ahold of people and they’re not being able to, so they call us. We do a check and everything checks out OK,” he said.
“And of course, people being cooped up with COVID, there tends to be a few more people that are, you know, just calling for some assistance.”
