On March 28th, 2020 the Ontario Government issued a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that prohibits social gatherings of more than five people.
This Emergency Order is effective immediately.
The order does not apply to childcare centres supporting front line workers and funerals may have up to 10 people.
Premier Ford gave the following statement:
“If we are going to stop the spread of COVID-19 now and keep our communities safe, we need to take extraordinary measures to ensure physical distancing. I strongly encourage everyone to do the responsible thing and stay home unless absolutely necessary. I can assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to stop this virus in its tracks.”
The Province will be advising of the fines and charges associated to the Act shortly.
For further information please visit https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-prohibits-gatherings-of-five-people-or-more-with-strict-exceptions.html
This Emergency Order will be enforced along with the Quarantine Act that was announced last week that mandates a mandatory 14-day self-isolation for Canadians who re entered Canada after leaving the country.
On March 25th, 2020 the Federal Minister of Health announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.
The office of the Minister of Health advises of the following:
The order will be fully implemented by the Canada Border Services Agency at points of entry by midnight tonight. The Government of Canada will use its authority under the Quarantine Act to ensure compliance with the order. Failure to comply with this Order is an offense under the Quarantine Act. Maximum penalties include a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. Further, a person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while willfully or recklessly contravening this Act or the regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or to imprisonment of up to three years, or to both. Spot checks will be conducted by the Government of Canada to verify compliance.
All individuals permitted to enter Canada are subject to this Order, with the exception of certain persons who cross the border regularly to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, and those who provide essential services. Individuals exempt from the Order will still need to practice social distancing and self-monitoring and contact their local public health authority if they feel sick.
The Cobourg Police Service is working closely with Municipal, Provincial and Federal levels of government and their agencies to keep all Canadians safe during this crisis.
For further information please visit the following link;
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
