ORILLIA – Police are warning residents and businesses that they will enforce recent government orders that include the mandatory closure of certain businesses.
“The OPP wants to ensure everyone is aware of how police services are expected to respond to the Government of Ontario’s recent health emergency declaration related to limiting transmission of COVID-19,” states an OPP press release. Officials say that while they prefer voluntary compliance, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), there are consequences for individuals and businesses that defy the act, including a ban on gatherings of over 50 people.
Police say the Provincial Offences Act has been updated to include three offences and fines:
– failing to comply with an order – Part I, $750 fine;
– obstructions of person, $1,000 fine; and
– corporations, $500,000 fine.
“The OPP continues 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,” states the OPP release. “We appreciate the public’s ongoing support of these measures.”
