Checkpoints on the Interprovincial Bridges

Gatineau, April 1, 2020. – As of noon today, in order to reduce the propagation of COVID-19, Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) officers are being deployed to strategic entry points to restrict travel to only essential purposes.

At a glance:

●	The purpose of this new measure is to restrict non-essential travel between provinces and regions out of public health concerns, as announced in the instructions issued by the Province.

●	At the checkpoints, police will assess on a case by case basis whether or not the travel is essential, for instance: - to get to work if teleworking is not an option; - for medical appointments or care; or - for humanitarian reasons.

●	The checkpoints are located at the: - Masson-Angers ferry; - Alexandra Bridge; - Portage Bridge; - Chaudières Bridge; - Champlain Bridge.

●	Additional checkpoints may be added as the situation evolves.

●	The checkpoints will operate on a sporadic basis.

●	The SPVG urges the public to cooperate by respecting this new health measure introduced by the Government of Quebec. It is important to comply with the measures imposed, which are evolving day by day.

●	As you know, people who show symptoms, have travelled or have been in close contact with a person showing symptoms are not permitted to leave their home.

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The SPVG prefers to rely on promoting public information and awareness. - The aim is to reinforce the messages issued by government authorities and to encourage the public's cooperation. - Although the SPVG prefers an approach based on community persuasion, its officers are prepared to turn to more coercive measures with people who refuse to cooperate. - Fines may be imposed on people who refuse to cooperate. Under the Public Health Act, the police have the option of imposing fines ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. - The police maintain their usual powers, and charges laid during an intervention will have the same legal consequences (i.e. criminal offence).

●	The SPVG would like to remind everyone that 911 calls should be reserved for emergencies, and not used to request information about government instructions and their application.

●	The SPVG is working closely with its partners, the Sûreté du Québec and the Sécurité publique de la MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais.

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