Local governments have been encouraged to enforce provincial health orders related to COVID-19.
The City of Parksville put out a press release on April 6, saying the city will continue to deploy on-duty bylaw compliance officers to enforce the orders.
“Bylaw officers will continue to remind residents of the playground and sports courts closures, as well as the critical need to physical distance. City staff are also integrating patrols into their daily tasks and will report concerns to bylaw to assist with compliance. The city’s priority is to protect the health and safety of our residents,” read the release.
READ MORE: COVID-19: Latest from Parksville, Qualicum Beach, RDN
The province clarified bylaw compliance officer roles as the following:
• To assist with the compliance and enforcement of public health orders.
• Bylaw compliance officers are not authorized to detain an individual because of a contravention or suspected contravention of a public health order.
• Bylaw compliance officers are not authorized to exercise any authority to issue a fine or penalty.
• Enforcement will be directed by the provincial health officer and/or Island Health.
— NEWS staff, submitted