TEHACHAPI, Calif. — On Thursday, the Tehachapi police released a statement encouraging the public to utilize the department's online reporting system for non-emergency or non-life-threatening calls.

"The Tehachapi Police Department will continue to respond to all calls for service from the public. However, if a member of the public is calling to report an incident that is not life-threatening and not in-progress, we encourage you to utilize our online reporting system at https://www.liveuptehachapi.com/313/Online-ReportingSystem or request a report be taken over the phone. These procedures will enable us to limit our contact with the public for the safety and protection of community members and peace officers. For non-emergencies, please contact the Tehachapi Police Department Communications Center at 661-822-2222."

The Tehachapi Police Department reminded the public that the Kern County Health Department "has not reported any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kern County."