FILE. B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
January 05, 2021 - 4:37 PM
Since announcing enhanced enforcement measures to address COVID-19 rule-breakers, hundreds of tickets worth thousands of dollars have been issued.
"Most British Columbians are following public health orders, and that's what will help us get case numbers back down," Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said in a press release issued today, Jan. 5, announcing the extension of the provincial state of emergency order.
"Having said that, we're continuing to use enforcement and fines for those who insist on putting lives at risk by ignoring orders. We continue to strengthen the tools officials need to keep people safe, and we won't hesitate to use them."
Between Aug. 21, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2021, 574 violation tickets were issued, including 103, $2,300 tickets to owners or organizers contravening the Provincial Health Officers order on gatherings and events.
There have been 21, $2,300 violation tickets issued for contravention of the Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order and 450, $230 tickets issued to individuals who refused to comply with direction from law enforcement.
Additionally, since the pandemic began, police agencies in British Columbia have issued 77 violation tickets to individuals who were in contravention of the federal Quarantine Act, totalling $84,266.25. The purpose of the Quarantine Act is to protect public health by taking comprehensive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of communicable diseases.
As well, Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, has asked WorkSafeBC to enhance in-person inspections in targeted areas. The province continues to urge all British Columbians to follow the orders and guidance of public health officials. These are in addition to previous measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
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