51 Toronto businesses found violating COVID-19 orders in three days

Toronto’s COVID-19 enforcement teams have discovered more than 50 businesses violating provincial health orders in three days.

At a press conference on January 21, Fire Chief Matthew Pegg said that 51 businesses were found violating the Reopening Ontario Act since he last spoke to reporters on January 18.

Six charges were laid, and 45 notices were issued against the owners and operators of retail stores, personal service settings, and an automobile detailing service.

The chief did not name any of the businesses that were charged.

“The enforcement of public-health-related regulations continues to be a top priority for the City of Toronto,” said Pegg, who is the general manager of the city’s Office of Emergency Management.

“Our coordinated enforcement teams have been working diligently to enforce the regulations relating to COVID-19.”

Pegg also said nine charges were laid due to large gatherings on private property and private residences since Monday.

As of January 22, he noted that the city has taken formal enforcement action 1,191 times.

“I thank the vast majority of residents and businesses who continue to help stop the spread of covid-19 in our city,” Pegg said.