www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 17, Number 42
Friday, October 16, 2020
Complaints, police visits but no fines for businesses during pandemic By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
John B. Larson* Party: Democratic Age: 72 Occupation: Member of Congress
A sudden influx of calls and uncertainty over how to handle complaints about pandemic restrictions not being followed led police leaders to hire supernumerary and retired police lieutenant Michael Baribault earlier this year.
Most of the complaints have been about customers or workers not wearing masks and failing to stay six feet apart. In a majority of cases the health department sent a letter outlining the pandemic requirements or officers reminded business owners of the rules. “We’re trying to give everyone the benefit of the doubt,” Lockwood said.
U.S. House of Representatives First District (Includes Southington, Berlin)
While no fines have been issued or licenses suspended, the regional health district has logged 19 pandemic-related complaints against businesses and individuals since June and the police department another 12 since this spring.
At the start of the pandemic, police took any complaints about people not following Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive orders on distancing and mask wearing. The Plainville-Southington Regional Health Department has fielded complaints since July, according to director Shane Lockwood, although any enforcement would be conducted by police.
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Education: Bachelor's Degree, CCSU
Former Southington police Lt. Michael Baribault was re-hired in the spring to field complaints and handle local enforcement of the govenor’s executive orders regarding COVID-19. He worked in that role until July as those duties shifted back to the regional health district. Baribault is seen here in a 2017 file photo. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
In response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the RecordJournal, the health department released 19 complaint reports dating from June until late last month.
health department would inform the store of proper procedures following a complaint.
Lockwood said he got complaints early on in the pandemic that weren’t documented, mostly concerning distancing and mask-wearing at the big box stores in town. Baribault or the
The most complaints came to police or the health department this spring, Lockwood said, and concerned people not distancing or wearing masks
‘Everybody was really scared’
See Complaints, A8
Platform: I've Larson made it my priority to listen and look out for my constituents. This Congress I've held 80+ public events and heard from people all over the district. I'm running to address this pandemic, protect Social Security, lower health care costs, make college affordable, invest in our infrastructure, and address climate change. Other: Endorsed by the Working Families Party. John is a lifelong resident of East Hartford where he lives with his wife Leslie and raised See Voter Guide, A2
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