Vaughan Mills charged for failing to comply with COVID-19 orders

Nov 28 2020, 4:49 pm

Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre has been charged by York Regional Police for failing to comply with COVID-19 health and safety orders.

Following Black Friday shopping, three stores in the outlet mall were found to be in violation of the Reopening Ontario Act.

Cellicon, Designer Depot, and Haight Ashbury all received fines totaling $880.

Earlier this week, York Region Police announced that their COVID-19 task force would be increasing inspection activity this weekend to ensure that businesses are complying with health and safety measures.

“Most businesses across York Region are adhering to COVID-19 safety measures and protocols, however there is an increasing number of complaints from the public about overcrowding in malls, big box and retails stores,” police said.

The region is currently in the Red – Control level of Ontario’s COVID-19 framework. In the red zone, malls and retail stores are allowed to remain open at a reduced capacity. Malls need to have a safety plan in place and must screen shoppers for COVID-19.

Retail stores in neighbouring Toronto and Peel are closed to in-person shopping under lockdown orderes.

According to Vaughan Mills’ website, the outlet mall has several COVID-19 safety procedures in place, including hand sanitizing stations, physical distancing placards, and a mandatory face covering policy.

They’ve also introduced Health and Safety ambassadors for the duration of the holiday season. The ambassadors will be handing out face masks and assisting with crowd control and line management, Vaughan Mills said.

Ontario reported 1,822 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday morning, 145 of which are in York.

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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