Here's how Alberta's new COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced

A number of new COVID-19 restrictions were implemented on Tuesday in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus.

Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement at a livestreamed press conference, stating that limits are now in place for social gatherings, and more will be in place on Friday for Alberta’s businesses and services.

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Kenney elaborated on how exactly these social restrictions would be enforced.

“We will not be setting up a so-called snitch-line,” said Kenney.

“We will be expanding the number of enforcement officers who are designated to enforce public health orders under the Public Health Act — that likely will include Level 1 and Level 2 peace officer — and of course police are empowered already to enforce those orders.”

He also stated that officers are capable of writing tickets of up to $1,000 per person found violating the new public health orders, and that, if taken to court, a person could be charged up to $100,000.

“I would hope and expect that the Department of Justice and the Solicitor General will work with Alberta Health and the police and peace officer on learning how this has been effectively enforced in other parts of Canada,” Kenney said, noting that the Fraser Health and Peel Regions of BC and Ontario have seen increased enforcement after stricter restrictions were put into place for their designated provinces.