Residents snitch on businesses, neighbors amid shutdowns

virus-outbreak-shutdown-snitching

In this April 1, 2020, photo, the long hallway inside Naveed Abidi's Bikram Yoga West is empty of members after being closed by the city last week, tipped off by several residents who disagreed with it being an essential health and wellness center in Chicago. "It was not like an act of rebellion or anything," said Abidi, who faces a fine of up to $10,000. "If we were naughty with the government's order, then we're very, very sorry. We're not here to cause problems, we're here to practice our poses." (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

virus-outbreak-shutdown-snitching

OAK PARK, Illinois (AP) — Residents are snitching on businesses and neighbors as authorities worldwide work to enforce business shutdowns and stay-at-home orders meant to limit person-to-person contact amid the coronavirus pandemic. They’re phoning police and municipal hotlines, complaining to elected officials and shaming scofflaws on social media. And police are issuing citations and sometimes arresting businesses and individuals who violate orders issued by government officials trying to slow the rate of infections that are overwhelming many hospitals. Among businesses that have been busted are Tulsa, Oklahoma, bars, a Chicago yoga studio and a Denver gaming store.