Police to enforce coronavirus stay at home order as needed

Lorain police will enforce the Ohio-stay-at home order to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, said Chief James McCann.

On March 24, McCann announced operational changes to expand road patrols in the city during the COVID-19 pandemic and health crisis.

Anyone violating Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s order could face a verbal warning, up to physical arrest, depending on the circumstances, the chief said.

“With the recent declaration of the national, state and local emergencies, the Lorain Police Department would like to remind all members of the public of our legal and moral obligation to help stop and/ or slow the spread of COVID-19,” McCann said. “To that end, if our officers come into contact with citizens who are in violation of the ‘Stay at Home’ order issued by the state of Ohio, I have instructed our officers to take enforcement action as the situation dictates.”

Lorain police officers are permitted to make decisions based on the situations they find, McCann said.

“Since no two situations are alike, I have entrusted our officers to conduct a proper investigation, and to use their judgment, based on the individual facts of the encounter, to make the right decision for the circumstance,” he said.

Carry-out only

As for Lorain eateries, the governor’s shutdown order applies to the dining areas of restaurants and bars.

They are allowed to stay open for takeout orders only and the stay-at-home order has not changed that, McCann said.

“The Lorain Police Department will monitor all businesses that meet this criteria and, if violations are found, will take the necessary enforcement action for the health and well being of our citizens,” he said. “Those found to be in violation, can expect enforcement ranging from a verbal warning to physical arrest, as well as possible revocations of their liquor and food service licenses from the state and/or county enforcement agencies.”

Road patrols

Lorain police does not have any nonessential positions, but McCann said he has ordered a review of all non uniformed divisions to reassign officers to road patrol.

That is the primary mission of the department, he said, and reassigning officers accomplishes at least two goals: ensure Lorain has enough uniformed officers on the shifts to make it as safe as possible for everyone; and cut down on the amount of overtime needed to properly man the road patrol.

COVID-19 diagnosis

It has been almost two weeks since Lorain police announced an officer tested positive for COVID-19, McCann said.

The Lorain County Health District ordered three others to a mandatory quarantine due to their exposure to the first officer.

The infected officer is almost fully recovered and the three quarantined officers will return to work March 25, providing they remain asymptomatic, the chief said.