911 dispatcher asks British Columbians to stop calling to report coronavirus rule-breakers

91 dispatchers in British Columbia are asking residents not to call them to report individuals breaking coronavirus lockdown measures, as it ties up resources which could be used for more urgent situations, CTV News reports.

"People are calling to report house parties or neighbours having visitors over, or physical distancing perhaps not being followed in stores and restaurants," said E-Comm spokesperson Kaila Butler. "We are still getting common questions about COVID as well." E-Comm is the largest 911 dispatcher in British Columbia.

"If somebody is experiencing a medical emergency related to COVID-19, absolutely dial 911," Butler suggested. "Otherwise, there are better resources available."

"We understand that this is a stressful time and people are feeling a lot of anxiety, but try to remember if you do have to call in that the call-takers are our friends and our neighbours and our family members," Butler pleaded.

"They're experiencing stress and anxiety as well, but they are absolutely committed to getting you the help that you need as quickly as possible."

Butler instead suggested that people should "remain calm" in the face of COVID-19, but also suggested that people who see others break the rules should snitch on their fellow citizens through alternative channels such as the non-emergency police line.

E-Comm did not say how many calls they received in regard to COVID-19 restrictions being broken, or what the nature of these calls.