BONNERS FERRY — Law enforcement has confidence in the community to do the right thing during Gov. Brad Little’s Stay-Home order, and minimize contact with other individuals.

“I have full confidence that most people in this community are very respectful of the things necessary to minimize the dangers of this virus,” said Bonners Ferry Police Chief Brian Zimmerman.

Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer feels that people need to make the decision on what is essential and do what they can to comply with the order.

“As far as the stay at home order, we would hope that most people would use common sense and do their part to avoid the potential spread of coronavirus in our state and county,” said Kramer. “Whatever precautions can be taken to limit the spread we highly encourage and support the decision that if you can stay home and limit the exposure, and keep social distance when possible, along with using hand sanitizer and cleaners, you should do your part.”

Zimmerman noted that by looking downtown, he was able to see that people were being compliant.

“I have counted no less than three cars on Main Street at any given time, and one is mine,” said Zimmerman. “If you have noticed, the grocery store parking lots are half empty now. Traffic on the highway is lighter than I can ever remember.”

According to Kramer, the statewide Stay-Home order will appear differently in rural communities like ours in comparison to the more populated urban areas.

“The Stay-Home order does provide for violations as being a misdemeanor, but I don’t see law enforcement going out and looking at issuing citations in violation of this,” said Kramer. “Our goal, as partners with our community, is to help educate and encourage people to make good decisions.”

The priority for law enforcement will continue to be responding to emergencies and crimes, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t take the matter at hand seriously.

“This is big and we need to stay ahead of the curve,” said Zimmerman. “I have heard many people say all of these rules and regulations are overboard. That may or may not be true — only time will give us the answer to that.”

Law enforcement continues to encourage people to keep limiting personal interactions, stay home if they are sick, and be respectful of others.

“We will get through this and in time we can get back to normal, but in the meantime, we must be vigilant,” said Zimmerman. “I believe our community will do the right thing — we are all in this together.”