Coronavirus won’t stop Burnaby Mounties from responding to calls – but it will make them look a little more post-apocalyptic when they do.
In an effort to keep front-line officers healthy, they will now show up to certain calls wearing masks and goggles.
“For those who witness our police officers responding to calls for service wearing this protective equipment, all our officers are doing is limiting any potential exposure they may have to COVID-19,” stated an Burnaby RCMP press release Thursday. “It does not mean the call for service was related to COVID-19 or that anyone has been diagnosed with COVID-19.”
Calls to police will now also spark a series of questions about coronavirus: Has anyone been diagnosed with COVID-19? Does anyone have symptoms? Has anyone been out of the country in the past 14 days and is self-isolating?
“Once at scene and depending on the urgency of the situation, our police officers will run through similar questions again,” states the release. “Again, these questions will not stop police from dealing with the incident you are calling about. They exist to ensure their safety.”
