Police officers will be present at the upcoming “Freedom Rally” on Monday.
That’s according to city police Corporate Communications Officer David Woolley. Woolley says officers have issued a total of 31 tickets and served seven summons for violations of the Reopening Ontario Act in relation to previous gatherings.
“There is currently a Declaration of Emergency and provincial Stay-at-Home Order in effect,” wrote Woolley in a news release. “Indoor and outdoor gatherings are prohibited except for weddings, funerals, or religious services, where attendance is limited to 10 people. The organizers of gatherings can be fined a minimum of $10,000 and attendees can receive a $750 ticket.”
City police identified individuals who were issued tickets by observing the rallies.
“Members of the NBPS issued charges to individuals at their places of residence. The NBPS maintains this practice to ensure officer and public safety. Officers entering a crowd to lay charges risk physical confrontations and the spread of COVID-19 to police and members of the public,” wrote Woolley.
The North Bay Police Service is encouraging everyone to follow the stay-at-home order and COVID-19 public health guidelines, including practicing physical distancing and wearing a mask.
