A 38-year-old St. Edward woman has been fined $1,000 for being in a gathering of more than five people who are not persons living in the same dwelling.
RCMP responded to a call of what was believed to be an illegal gathering just after 8 p.m. on Thursday in Miminegash.
RCMP Cpl. Nick Doyle says the woman was issued a summary offence ticket for failing to comply with an order from chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
Doyle adds the investigation is ongoing, and others could be charged.
The RCMP is reminding the public that non-compliance to Morrison’s measures to help curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) will result in fines.
“The key message is not the amount of money a person will have to pay for a fine for not obeying the orders – it is the disregard for the health of others and the risk that these individuals put everyone in by not following instructions."
Law enforcement can issue fines starting at $1,000 for the first offence, $2,000 for the second offence and $10,000 for the third and subsequent offences.
This applies to anyone who is not self-isolating when they are required to. Anyone who has returned from international travel since March 8 is required to self-isolate for 14 days, as are people who have returned from another province since March 21. Exceptions are truck drivers, airline crews and other essential workers.
It also applies to persons being in a gathering of more than five people who are not persons living in the same dwelling.
“The key message is not the amount of money a person will have to pay for a fine for not obeying the orders – it is the disregard for the health of others and the risk that these individuals put everyone in by not following instructions,’’ the RCMP said in a release.
Chief Supt. Jennifer Ebert, commanding officer of P.E.I. RCMP, is urging Islanders to stay home and abide by the orders and recommendations of Morrison.
‘If you must leave your home, abide by social distancing and other health recommendations,’’ says Ebert.
“Compliance will save lives. Do your part; stop the spread."
To report people failing to follow the practices outlined by Morrison, contact the toll-free COVID-19 information line at 1-800-958-6400.
