TWO LARGE PARITES LEAD TO 10 COVID-RELATED CHARGES
ADJALA-TOSORONTIO — Two back-to-back late night parties at a short-term rental property the past two nights with large gatherings of people have led to 10 charges under new Ontario health restrictions.
Provincial police say that after twice being called to the same address early Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Oct. 6-7, officers from the Nottawasaga laid charges under the provisions of the Reopening Ontario Act (A Flexible Response to COVID-19; ROA) just west of Alliston.
They say that on Tuesday at 2:10 a.m. officers responded to a noise complaint and report of a large gathering of people on Concession Road 4 in Adjala-Tosorontio Township.
The township is southwest of Barrie, off Hwy. 89, and just north of New Tecumseth and Beeton, where a large number of COVID cases (and at least one death) were reported today at the Simcoe Manor.
As a result of the investigation, two people were charged with Provincial Offence Notices under the ROA.
The next night at 1:15 a.m. police received another noise complaint at the same address.
Again officers found another gathering in excess of ROA regulations.
As a result of this investigation, eight people were charged with Provincial Offence Notices under the ROA.
Police say the owner of the property was not in attendance during the incidents, but has been cooperative with OPP and has taken steps to ensure compliance moving forward.
The OPP say they will continue to enforce provisions of the Reopening Ontario Act (A Flexible Response to COVID-19; ROA), and will encourage the public to follow the direction of their local Public Health Units (PHUs).
As of Sept. 19, 2020, the new gathering limits are:
Indoor events or gatherings: 10 people (previous limit of 50)
Outdoor events or gatherings: 25 people (previous limit of 100)
This applies to social gatherings in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.
And includes functions like parties, dinners, gatherings, barbecues and wedding receptions.
The new limits do not apply to events or gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities since they must already follow specific public health and safety guidelines to minimize risk and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Additionally, police officers now have the authority to temporarily close any premises where they have reasonable grounds to believe that a gathering or event is in violation of any gathering limits.
Individuals will be required to leave the premises if they have been temporarily closed and will not be permitted to return/re-enter on the same day unless re-entry is authorized by an officer. This does not apply if it is their place of residence.
Individuals who refuse to leave may be ticketed or charged.
Police say anyone who believes a gathering is not adhering to the Reopening Ontario Act should report it to their municipal by-law enforcement authorities or police service.
The OPP encourages everyone to do their part to support our health care system and workers at this difficult time and minimize the impact of COVID-19 in all of our communities.
For all non-emergency police matters including allegations of non-compliance – contact your municipal by-law office or call the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122.
The OPP says it continues to provide public safety services to the communities we serve and supports 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.”
Visit the OPP website news section for more information to help limit COVID-19 transmission.
