Photo: File photo

The City of Vernon continues to get calls about residents not following social-distancing protocol.

Christy Poirier, with the city, said the exact number of calls and emails is not known, but “we have received several.”

Poirier said to help ensure community members are aware of provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry's directive to practice physical distancing, the city has posted signage in parks and public spaces, as well as sharing media releases, social media posts and information on the city website about what physical distancing is, and the importance of following the provincial directive.

“Bylaw officers are also monitoring public spaces in the community and talking with individuals who are not maintaining a physical distance, as directed by Dr. Henry and Minister Farnsworth,” said Poirier. “It is important to note that bylaw officers, under the Public Health Act, are permitted to provide information and warnings to members of the public, but are not permitted to issue fines or detain anyone for not following a public health order.”

Poirier added it is “paramount that all of us follow the directives that have been clearly laid out by Dr. Henry.

“We really are all in this together, and in order to help contain the spread of COVID-19, we must continue physical distancing, keep our hands clean and not touch our faces. Our actions, as citizens, matter for the safety of our community.”