OPP WILL CHARGE COVID-19 VIOLATORS
MUSKOKA — As the OPP warns it will enforce rules against gatherings of more than five people, charge non-essential businesses that remain open and could arrest anyone violating the Quarantine Act, local officers were busy yesterday stopping speeding drivers in Muskoka.
Bracebridge and Huntsville detachment teams combined efforts Thursday to address “aggressive driving and speeding” on Highway 11.
They say 18 drivers were issued tickets for driving at minimum 35 km/hr over the posted speed limit.
Meanwhile, provincial police brass issued a release today on its emerging role in the pandemic.
It “encourages businesses and individuals to voluntarily comply” with the short-term restrictions introduced by the federal and provincial governments to combat the spread of COVID-19.
They say that while education, awareness and compliance are “preferred options,” “officers will apply discretion to lay charges under the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) Enforcement actions can include offences relating to they say:
- operation of non-essential businesses and
- gatherings of more than five people, with some exceptions
Additionally, police have the authority to arrest those in non-compliance of the federal Quarantine Act at the request of a screening or quarantine officer.
The OPP says it will “continue 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. Stay home and avoid non-essential travel, practise good hygiene and follow the Ontario Ministry of Health’s recommendations in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.
If you wish to file a report regarding non-compliance under the Quarantine Act, contact Public Health Agency of Canada.
For emergencies, please call 911.
For all other police matters, including non-compliance to the EMPCA, please call your local police or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
For less serious incidents, report online by visiting opp.ca/reporting.
Additional COVID-19 information and resources can be found at MuskokaTODAY.com, Ontario.ca and the Government of Canada website. OPP-related information and updates can be found at opp.ca.
May 23, 2020 @ 10:33 am
Canadian Tire- Wide Open with NO covid control.
walked into CT this morning, there were at least 80 people lined up from the checkout, all the way into the sports department!!! No monitoring at the front door- Still Lots of people wandering the store! is This not illegal???
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!
this should be reported- people are going to get infected, for sure.
(by the way, walked in and walked out immediately)
January 16, 2021 @ 4:37 pm
My neighbor has several people at her house everyday. Unfortunately this hasn’t stopped with the stay at home order. The downside to apartment buildings. One person gets to put every one else at risk.