The North Bay Police Service (NBPS) will be doing more than just educating people on COVID-19 rules, saying that they will be doling out fines for violators of the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA).
Constable John Schultz says that the announcement comes in response to Ontario entering into the second wave of COVID-19.
“We’re eight months into it now, people need to know if they’re not going to follow the rules, they could end up with a ticket,” he said.
Current gathering limits in Ontario can see a maximum of 25 people for an outdoor event and 10 for an indoor event.
Violations of those limits can result in $750 fines for party-goers, and up to $100,000 for organizers.
Schultz says that the police service has had “some calls” for parties and gatherings but nothing that violated regulations.
Throughout the pandemic, the NBPS had designated officers who would look for violations of COVID-19 protocols but would seek to educate violators rather than handing out fines.
“We continue to try and educate people but special constables as well will have the authority to charge under this act. I think things are changing a little bit,” Schultz explained.
Chief Scott Tod further underlines the change. “With the second wave of Covid-19 upon us, our Public Health Officials deemed that changes to the behaviour of people are necessary in order to effectively limit the exposure to the virus. I encourage everyone to do their part to support our healthcare system and workers and people should be aware that enforcement will occur if people choose to risk the health of members of our community,” Tod said in a statement.
Schultz says that if you suspect that someone is violating gathering limits, to call the police service.
“The chief is saying that we need to take a very serious look when we get these types of calls as to whether these people are blatantly not abiding by it,” he said.
Anyone with information in relation to contraventions of the public health protocols, including limits governing indoor or outdoor gatherings are urged to call the North Bay Police at 705-497-5555 and select option 9 to speak to a police officer.
For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Near North Crime Stoppers, by calling 1-800-222- TIPS (8477) or by submitting a tip online at nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.
