PORT ANGELES – The Port Angeles Police Department has issued a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to address the Governor’s two-week restrictions on businesses during the current virus outbreak, and who is going to enforce those restrictions.

While the closures do not include grocery stores and pharmacies, they do include any business that serves food and drinks. Also included are entertainment and leisure businesses such as theaters and bowling alleys, fitness centers and art galleries, as well as barber shops and other salons.

The ban also includes any gatherings of 50 or more people.

The Governor’s announcement came on Monday of this week, and by Tuesday police say they were already getting complaints of businesses violating the proclamation.

The Police Department’s PSA, written by Sgt. Tom Kuch, reads in part as follows:

“Washington State Law (RCW 43.06.220) makes it is a gross misdemeanor…to ignore the Governor’s proclamation.

We at the Port Angeles Police Department are asking you to please abide by the rules of the proclamation.

I promise you, I don’t want to be, and my crew doesn’t want to be, the guy that has to write you a ticket for it. Please know though, that we will if we have to. This all starts with education and cooperation. These next few weeks to few months won’t be easy, but together we can and will get through it.

Most Sincerely, Sgt. Tom Kuch, PAPD.”