Police overwhelmed by calls amid epidemic
Ljubljana, 17 March - Slovenian police officers continue to carry out all their duties and tasks even during the coronavirus epidemic, however they have decided to restrict visits to police stations to protect the health of its workforce as well as citizens. Moreover, they ask the public to use email or phone for reporting in case of non-urgent matters.
Manchester, UK
The police.
Photo: dpa/STA
Telephones have been ringing off the hook at police headquarters across Slovenia since the first confirmed case of an infection with the coronavirus. More than 10,700 calls have dialled the emergency telephone number 113 since 10 March, the General Police Administration has reported.
Police departments have processed more than 3,200 interventions, including 118 emergency interventions.
To keep performing their work effectively, including in the field, the police have decided to limit visits to police stations. Citizens are thus urged to reserve in-person services only for urgent matters.
If a citizen is faced with a dilemma whether or not to head to the nearest police station, they should call first and make inquiries.
The restriction measure aims to limit physical contact and protect the heath of police officers as well as the public.
Meanwhile, the police have reiterated that the emergency number is only meant for emergency calls.