Charges for COVID-19 violations plummet in York Region

Only eight charges were laid against York Region businesses for breaking public health directives, none of which were in Newmarket

Newmarkettoday.ca
March 31, 2021
Alan S Hale

Only eight charges were laid against York Region businesses for breaking public health directives, even though enforcement officers from across the region carried out 1,159 inspections, and issued 331 education notices from March 22 to 28.

During the previous week, March 15 to 21, there were 1,324 inspections and 24 charges. Charges skyrocketed to 67 with 1,863 inspections from March 8 to 14. From March 1 to 7, there were 2,294 inspections and 54 charges.

While no businesses were fined in Newmarket, bylaw enforcement carried out 248 inspections and issued 32 education notices.

Charges laid in York Region last week included the Metro Square Mall in Markham for not screening people at the entrance and not keeping a count of patrons in the mall.  

One Plus One Spa in Richmond Hill was fined for having patrons not wearing face coverings.

A Walmart at 3600 Major Mackenzie Drive West in Vaughan was charged with failing to comply with an enforcement order.

The following provides a summary of the eight charges issued under the provincial Reopening Ontario Act and Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act:

4 charges issued by York Region Transit
1 charge issued by the City of Markham
2 charges issued by the City of Richmond Hill
1 charge issued by the City of Vaughan