Officials with Belleville Police say all roads in the downtown core are once again fully accessible following a high volume of overdose calls on Tuesday.
The Belleville Police Service was advising the public to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel to the downtown core area following reports of a significant number of overdoses on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency officials said they were responding to thirteen overdose incidents over a one hour period (3:30-4:30 pm), prompting the need for increased vigilance and awareness in the affected areas. In total, they responded to 14 overdose incidents. Fortunately, no deaths were reported.
During the height of the crisis, dozens of emergency responders and vehicles were spotted in the downtown core This high volume of activity prompted police to advise against all non-essential travel to the area and to ask motorists to cooperate with law enforcement directives to ensure traffic lanes remain clear for emergency vehicles and personnel. The final incident was resolved and all units cleared the scene by 9 pm. The advisory against non-essential travel to the downtown core was canceled at the same time. There was never any danger to the general public.
The Belleville Police Service would like to remind anyone who uses drugs of the advice from the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit. If you use drugs, do not use them while alone, refrain from mixing drugs, try a small amount first to reduce the risk of drug poisoning and always have at least one naloxone kit nearby.
Anyone who is using drugs alone can also call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677 and someone will stay on the line with them.
