An Abbotsford mother is speaking out after she feels her friend was unfairly targeted for violating what she calls inconsistent COVID-19 policies.
Lisa Engh, a local mother of three, was shocked on Saturday when she learned that her friend received a visit from two Abbotsford Police Department officers.
The reason for the visit was that a neighbour had informed police that two other children, who did not live at the friend含羞草研究社檚 house, were observed playing with the friend含羞草研究社檚 children on a trampoline. That type of interaction is not allowed under the current provincial health order, as citizens are being asked to remain within their own house.
Engh含羞草研究社檚 friend was given a warning and was told that she could face a fine of $2,300 if she violates the order again.
The friend took her news to social media and it spread through the Internet. She eventually deleted the message after receiving a large deal of feedback. The News did reach out to the friend, but she did not want to speak on the record.
Engh took to social media on Saturday explaining the situation and her thoughts on what occurred.
Engh spoke to The News today (Tuesday) and questioned the need for this type of enforcement.
含羞草研究社淵ou tell me how two home school boys are putting two neighbourhood boys at risk,含羞草研究社� she said. 含羞草研究社淏y playing outside? Where含羞草研究社檚 the risk? I don含羞草研究社檛 think there is a risk and it含羞草研究社檚 time to use common sense.含羞草研究社�
She stated that there are many inconsistencies with what children can and cannot do.
含羞草研究社淚 have three different children at different stages so my cohort is huge,含羞草研究社� she said, about her own children and their risks. 含羞草研究社淎nd that含羞草研究社檚 just the school. And they含羞草研究社檙e still allowed to go to music lessons - that含羞草研究社檚 allowed indoors - but two children playing in a backyard含羞草研究社� I don含羞草研究社檛 know how the air is different in the backyard than it is in the playground - which is also allowed.含羞草研究社�
She said she does support the APD and believes they are just following orders from someone higher up.
Engh said that many people have been commenting on her videos on social media and the majority are concerned with these restrictions.
含羞草研究社淢any people are concerned that all of this is infringing on our rights,含羞草研究社� she said. 含羞草研究社淥ur fundamental freedoms have been taken away without justification, including the right to assembly and legal rights.含羞草研究社�
She cited the Emergencies Act of 1985 as proof that our fundamental rights cannot be taken away even in the case of a national emergency.
Engh also said she is concerned with the possible long-term effects the pandemic measures are having on children.
含羞草研究社淚 think this is causing an irrational fear in our children,含羞草研究社� she said. 含羞草研究社淚t is not okay that police are coming to tell them they cannot play with their friends for fear of making them sick. If my children are healthy they should be allowed to play with their friends, we are still in a free country or so I thought.含羞草研究社�
The APD released a statement on Monday urging the public to follow the public health orders and asking for locals含羞草研究社� co-operation during the pandemic.
APD representatives did confirm that fines could reach as high as $2,300, but that many calls see officers attend and provide education rather than doling out fines.
