San Antonio police field calls from people reporting stay-at-home ordinance violations

Since Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s stay-at-home order went into effect Wednesday, San Antonio police have fielded calls from people reporting others that were violating social distancing guidelines.

There have not been any citations issued for the ordinance violation, SAPD spokesperson Michelle Ramos said.

Under Nirenberg’s order, residents must stay home except to make essential trips, such as picking up groceries. The order aims to slow the spread of the highly contagious virus and prevent a surge of cases from overwhelming area hospitals.

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While officials hope they won’t have to resort to handing out citations, those who violate the order could face fines of up to $1,000 and six months of jail time.

“For folks who would flout the order, they don’t get it, and there shouldn’t be any tolerance for that,” Nirenberg said. “Flouting the order is a direct affront to the health care workers who are putting their lives on the line every day.”

Local officials elsewhere have asked residents not to call the police to report social distancing violations, but San Antonio police say residents should call.

However, people should call the non-emergency line (210-207-SAPD), Ramos said. The number of such calls police have received was not readily available Thursday.

Ramos also addressed social media posts claiming police were pulling cars over on Highway 281 and questioning drivers about their destinations.

“SAPD Officers are not making self-initiated stops solely for the purpose of determining if an individual is in compliance with the Declaration,” Ramos said.

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