This afternoon, two London businesses were the first to face charges related to orders in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Under Provincial emergency orders that went into effect on March 25, non-essential businesses must be closed.
The businesses, pawn shops, were each issued a Provincial Offence Notice by City of London Municipal Law Enforcement Officers.
Penalties are set out under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and include a fine of $750 for failure to comply with an order made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial offences officer issues a ticket. In addition, failure to comply with an emergency order could carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation itself if a provincial offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons.
“These orders are in effect to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Chief By-Law Officer, Orest Katolyk. “We know this is a difficult time for everyone, and that includes businesses in our community, however these orders cannot be taken lightly. We need everyone to be doing everything they can to stop this virus from spreading.”
Provincial orders in place as part of efforts to control COVID-19 include:
- Closure of non-essential businesses
- No gatherings of more than 5 people
- Closure of outdoor play structures, playgrounds, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, skate parks, golf courses, off-leash dog parks, community gardens, benches, picnic areas, park shelters and outdoor exercise equipment
- Take-out and delivery service only for restaurants
As well, the Federal government has ordered a 14-day quarantine for anyone who is returning to Canada from another country.
Last week, the City established an email (COVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca) and phone line (519-661-4660) that allows residents to voice their concerns about non-compliance with these orders. The City continues to respond to concerns of individuals and businesses not complying with orders.
The City is asking all residents to continue to take all precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19 including:
- Stay six feet away from each other (physical distancing)
- Avoid all non-essential gatherings of any size
- Stay home from work and other activities if you are sick
- Self-isolate if you have travelled outside of Canada
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently (for at least 20 seconds)
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or cough and sleeve into your elbow
- Clean and disinfect high touch areas frequently
For information please continue to visit www.london.ca/covid-19.