Nearly $152k in fines issued for breaking COVID-19 rules in BC

The BC government announced on Tuesday that over $152,000 in fines were issued in BC to individuals breaking COVID-19 rules.

In a release, officials said that between August 21 and December 4, 2020, 194 tickets for violating COVID-19 restrictions were issued, including:

• 36 $2,300 tickets to owners or organizers contravening the PHO’s order on gatherings and events;
• 16 $2,300 violation tickets for contravention of the PHO’s Food and Liquor Serving Premises Order;
• 142 $230 tickets issued to individuals who refused to comply with direction from law enforcement.

BC has also formally extended the provincial state of emergency that has been in effect since mid-March.

The state of emergency is extended through the end of the day on December 22, 2020.

The declaration of a state of emergency allows the province to implement provincial emergency measures and allows access to assets that may be necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency. This is a temporary measure authorized by the Emergency Program Act.

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“We’re all feeling the effects of needing to distance from friends and loved ones, but the surest way to keep our families safe is by doing the right thing for a little longer,” said Premier John Horgan, in a statement.

“So rather than finding a way around the rules, I encourage everyone to follow the intent behind the public health orders, which is to get everyone to step back for a little while so we can reduce cases, save lives and work toward visits with family and friends again in a safe way.”

The province said the extension of the provincial state of emergency is based on recommendations from health and emergency management officials.

The original declaration was made on March 18, 2020, the day after Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, declared a public health emergency.