Richmond RCMP have implemented a number of social distancing measures and established key supply chains to ensure officer safety as they respond to calls in the community during COVID-19.
“Important supply chains were established early on in order to secure medical supplies, water, food, training and personal protective equipment,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang, the Richmond RCMP’s spokesperson.
There are also systems in place to ensure officers’ mental well-being and to mitigate exposure to COVID-19, such as limiting the size of gatherings and proper sanitization of work spaces, and the use of personal protective equipment when responding to calls, said Hwang.
Richmond RCMP’s Supt. Will Ng said that ensuring officers are safe, healthy and prepared is the “building block” to keeping the community safe.
“Even though recent events seem surreal and unimaginable, we train and plan for any emergency situation,” said Supt. Will Ng.
“We want to reassure our community that we are here, prepared, and ready to serve and protect. We will rise to the occasion under the most stressful and challenging circumstances.”
The RCMP’s response to the coronavirus also includes following the federal and provincial requests people to work from home if possible.
“The Richmond RCMP is also committed to doing its part to assist in trying to flatten the curve and spread of COVID-19 by allowing designated staff to telecommute,” said Hwang, adding that first responders are responding to calls “using prescribed safety practices.”
