COMPLAINTS ON THE RISE,
At 1,400, the number of weekly complaints Alberta Health Services (AHS) received in November was nearly double what the agency received in September.
AHS spokesman Kerry Williamson said the organization received about 800 COVID-19 related complaints and requests per week in September and, in total, received more than 40,000 complaints.
“To address this increase, AHS safe and healthy environments has extended temporary employment for 13 public health inspectors and has hired 14 additional temporary PHIS, bringing our team to close to 270 PHIS in Alberta,” said Williamson in an email Monday.
Last week, the province announced new public health restrictions, including a ban on indoor social gatherings, to curb the spread of COVID-19. Students in grades seven to 12 began online classes Monday morning and most retail businesses have to limit capacity to 25 per cent as of Friday.
Williamson said public health inspectors are responsible for responding to complaints about businesses that are not complying with provincial health orders.
“In such instances, the inspector carries out an education or advisory role as an initial step when responding, outlining what is required and the risks associated with the activities,” said Williamson. “Where there are outstanding critical violations and a risk of COVID-19 transmission or burden to the health system is present, AHS public health inspectors, empowered under the Public Health Act, can conduct enforcement activities specific to facilities not obeying guidelines.”
The AHS website shows the latest enforcement orders in the Edmonton Zone were issued Nov. 21, when the Crown Lounge on 101 Street was issued a closure order over insufficient barriers and allowing movement between tables. The same day, a work order was issued for the Super Flea Market on 111 Avenue to ensure vendors are properly wearing masks and people are remaining six feet apart.
To enforce public health orders, Justice Minister Kaycee Madu announced Friday that about 700 community peace officers can issue fines for non-compliance.
City of Edmonton spokeswoman Chrystal Coleman said municipal authorities received full authority to begin enforcement on Monday. She said they will begin issuing fines on Tuesday.
“Over the weekend, enforcement officers were focused on enforcement of the temporary mandatory face coverings bylaw. Compliance remains high in most public spaces,” said Coleman in an email.
Data posted online by the City of Edmonton shows peace officers issued one ticket Saturday over failure to wear a face covering. The city received five COVID-19 related complaints Friday and one Saturday. Data for Sunday was not available as of Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, EPS issued a reminder Sunday that 911 is not for COVID-19 complaints after they received a number of calls.
“If citizens have a COVID-19 related question or have a complaint about non-compliance with any of the medical officer of health's orders, they are advised to call 1-833-415-9179,” said EPS'S Carolin Moran.