Mental health-related calls remain up for both the Steinbach RCMP and the Ste. Anne Police Department.

Since COVID-19 first hit the province, RCMP Sergeant Joanne Ryll says, there has been a notable increase in mental health-type incidents. Between March and July, she says her department has received 129 such calls, which is up 44 over the previous year during the same period. Ryll is hesitant to draw a direct correlation between the increase and the pandemic and the data but admits it is possible.

Ste. Anne Police Chief Marc Robichaud, meanwhile, is more certain of the connection between the two.

“I think there are some people who are more susceptible to having COVID-19 and isolation affect them in a negative way, mentally.”

rs, the chief asks his fellow residents to be ever-vigilant in looking out for one another.

“Even though we are still under regulations, it is important that we reach out to family members and to people who may not have regular contact with others just to ensure they are doing alright. If there are signs that things are going badly for them, one should contact medical professionals to help out so we don’t get to the stage where the police are having to intervene."