Last week was a busy one for the Surrey RCMP’s COVID-19 compliance and enforcement team (CCET).
Over the five-day period between April 7-11, a total of 18 violation tickets were issued for non-compliance with the current public health orders in British Columbia.
The total amount of fines handed out was nearly $17,000.
According to the RCMP, the majority of fines stemmed from large gatherings, including one wedding in Newton on April 7 where more than 20 people were in attendance.
On April 10, officers found people dining inside a restaurant in the 9400 block of 120 Street, which earned the owner of the establishment a second violation ticket.
The following day, police were called to a store in the 7300 block of King George Boulevard after learning that a man refused to wear a mask inside.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the man outside, but he was uncooperative and continued to cause a disturbance, which earned him a ticket as well.
Our officers have recently seen the number of people and businesses ignoring public health orders creeping up,” said Sgt. Tyler Wickware.
“Especially with sunny weather now here, it can be very inviting to gather with others, so we are reminding everyone that public health orders are still in effect limiting gatherings, even outdoors.”
BC’s pandemic state of emergency was extended on Tuesday, which means the province’s health and emergency management officials can continue using extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act to support BC’s pandemic response.
