COVID-19 fines issued after "large party" at BC home

Police in British Columbia issued a pair of COVID-19 fines after a “large party” that took place in Vernon earlier this week.

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP says that on Thursday, they received reports of “a large social gathering taking place at a residence.”

When frontline officers arrived at the home at 11:30 pm, “they observed numerous people inside the residence, in addition to five to 10 people gathered on a balcony.”

Police say that as they approached the house, the partygoers “disappeared inside and refused to answer the door for police.”

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Two individuals at the scene were fined under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, and the incident remains under investigation. Fines of $2,000 can be issued to homeowners or organizers of gatherings that contravene guidelines from the BC government, and $200 violation tickets can be given to individuals who do not follow the direction of police or enforcement staff.

It’s disappointing to see people taking part in these high-risk activities, blatantly disregarding the direction of the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, says Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP in a statement.

We believe the community overwhelmingly understands and supports the necessary measures that have been implemented to slow the spread of Covid-19. We urge everyone to behave in a safe, responsible manner.