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April 13, 2021 - 10:59 AM
The owner of a fitness club in Revelstoke purposely violated public health orders designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and got fined more than $2,500, police say.
Revelstoke RCMP say they got a report about the club continuing to hold in-person, group adult fitness classes and found a class about to start when they investigated, April 8.
Sgt. Chris Dodds said officers spoke to the owner, explained the public health orders and the consequences of failing to abide them and the owner opted to continue anyway. They got a $2,300 fine for organizing a non-compliant event and a $230 fine for failing to comply.
"We all have an important role to play during this health emergency," Dodds said in a release. "Overall, most members of the public are respecting the prevention orders issued by public health authorities and they understand it is not optional.
"Public safety is a priority for the RCMP and we urge citizens to adhere to the orders being implemented to keep everyone safe and reduce the risk of virus transmission. While we certainly can, and will enforce the provisions available to us under the Emergency Program Act, we continue to encourage everyone to voluntarily comply with the provincial health orders, so enforcement actions are not required."
On March 29, B.C. imposed a new round of public health orders designed to stop its 'third wave' of COVID-19. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry ordered restaurants to stop serving indoor diners, church services and indoor fitness activities of any kind.
READ MORE: New restrictions on indoor dining, church services and gyms in B.C.: health officials
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