Police Enforcement To Help Limit The Spread Of COVID-19
Following is a press release from the OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) wants to ensure everyone is aware of how police services are expected to respond to the Government of Ontario’s recent health emergency declaration related to limiting transmission of COVID-19.
Although voluntary compliance is always preferred, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), there are consequences for individuals and businesses that choose to defy the Act while it is in force. Contravening the expert advice provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Health to close certain businesses and institutions and limit gatherings to 50-people or less, the Provincial Offences Act (POA) has been updated to include three offences to be enforced by police, along with set fines per offence:
▪ Fail to comply with an order – Part I Fine of $750
▪ Obstructions of Person Fine of $1,000
▪ Corporations Fine of $500,000
The OPP continues to provide public safety services to the communities we serve and support the efforts of federal, provincial and local health authorities during the current situation involving COVID-19. We appreciate the public’s ongoing support of these measures.
End of press release. The province has ordered closing of –
- All facilities providing indoor recreational programs
- All public libraries
- All private schools as defined in the Education Act
- All licensed child care centers
- All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery
- All theaters including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies
- Concert venues.
- All organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship.
