King City police address rumors about coronavirus

KING CITY, Calif. (KION) The King City Police Department took to social media Monday to address rumors that have come to the department's attention about coronavirus.

One of the rumors is that King City officers are conducting traffic stops to question people about why they are out of their homes, but the department said the rumor is not true. It said asking people why they are out of their homes would be a violation of the 4th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The department also heard a rumor that a curfew is in effect in King City. The department said there is not a curfew in effect, but members of the community should adhere to the Shelter in Place order and only travel for purposes approved in the order.

Rumors also suggested that a department employee tested positive for coronavirus, according to King City police, but no member of the department has tested positive.

The department heard rumors that owners or employees of non-essential businesses are conducting house calls to perform services in client homes, and police said they are looking into the rumor. Non-essential businesses are asked to stop operations while the Shelter in Place order is in effect.

Police also took the opportunity to remind residents to be cautious when posting information on social media. They said there have been implications that some incidents are coronavirus related, but said routine medical incidents are continuing during this pandemic. Police said implying that someone going to the hospital or being taken by ambulance is coronavirus related can increase the level of anxiety and concern in the community.