With reports of some people not taking the COVID-19 situation seriously, the OPP is reminding people they can lay fines if social distancing isn’t practiced.
They say voluntary compliance is always preferred, but under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, there are consequences for individuals and businesses that choose to defy the Act while it is in force.
For people or businesses who go against the advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health to close certain businesses and institutions and limit gatherings to 50 people or less, the Provincial Offences Act 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
