No real enforcement for Covid violations

 How strange is it that in a public health emergency, cops can only assist the BOH in stopping large gatherings. At the rate we are going, it may be middle of next year before we are safe to see a movie or eat at a restaurant indoors. As we know now, most of the new cases are from people who's first language is not English.

 From the Source:

The Framingham Health Department is responsible for enforcing the Covid-19 restrictions and the Police Department is responsible for assisting the Health Department. We will continue to receive reports and respond to large gatherings and groups until this global pandemic ends and the restrictions are lifted, said the police department through its spokesperson Lt. Patricia Grigas.

Responding officers will collect and document as much of the following information as legally and practically possible under the circumstances:

• The correct address, including apartment number (if applicable) of the incident;
• The home / property owner’s name and identifying information;
• The name and identifying information of the host and/or person in control of the premises;
• An estimate of the number of persons present, both inside and outside;
• The number of persons wearing and/or not wearing masks;
• Whether or not social distancing is being maintained;
• Whether or not there are violations of the Governor’s Covid-19 orders and, if so, a description of the violations;
• If a gathering appears to violate the order, officers shall inform the host of the violation(s) and request compliance;
• Document any compliance or non-compliance.

“The Police Report documenting the violations, will be forwarded to the Framingham Health Department and they will impose a $500.00 fine for violations. Officers shall strongly encourage voluntary compliance with the Covid-19 restrictions,” said the department today.

On Tuesday, Acting Police Chief Ron Brandolini issued this statement:

“The Framingham Police Department is committed to assisting the Framingham Health Department with the enforcement of the Governor’s, Mayor’s and Health Directors Covid-19 Executive Orders to the fullest extent that the law and practicalities allow. Officers have been ordered to respond to reports of large groups and gatherings and to collect and document as much information as possible under the circumstances. The pertinent information that is documented will be forwarded to the Framingham Health Department who will then impose fines. Officers will also educate persons present at these gatherings regarding the restrictions and request compliance. Officers lack the legal authority to enter private premises without consent, a warrant, or exigent circumstances. Also, there is no right of arrest for alleged Covid-19 violations and there is no legal requirement that an individual produce identification or provide his or her true name in these situations. These legal constraints may hinder the Police Department’s ability to provide as much information to the Health Department as we would like. Nevertheless, we remain firmly committed to assist the Health Department to the fullest extent possible. I encourage the public to comply with the Governor’s restrictions and to postpone large gatherings until it is safe for them to resume.”