NEW: Washington County, Virginia authorities ask residents to quit calling 9-1-1 to report mask violations

An alert from Washington County Sheriff Blake Andis’ office issued Friday asked residents to please stop calling 9-1-1 to report residents not wearing a mask.

The report said that while dispatchers answer these unnecessary calls, delays could occur for people with legitimate requests for rescue help.

The sheriff’s office said those with concerns about COVID-19 and masks need to either email or call the Virginia Department of Health.

9-1-1 is for EMERGENCIES. Our dispatchers have received an influx of 9-1-1 calls from citizens reporting other citizens for not wearing masks. When our dispatchers are tied up answering these calls people who have… https://t.co/y4QVX8jS3B

— Washington County SO (@WCSOVAPIO) July 17, 2020

(PHOTO: Unsplash)