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Charges for COVID-19 violations in York Region rise to 30

While no charges were laid in Newmarket, enforcement officers issued 19 education notices while conducting 482 inspections

Newmarkettoday.ca
April 15, 2021
Debora Kelly

As the provincial state of emergency continues, York Region's COVID-19 rule enforcers laid 30 charges last week, a significant increase over the last several weeks.

The COVID-19 enforcement task force conducted 1,937 inspections across York Region and laid 30 charges from April 5 to 11, compared to 11 charges March 29 to April 4, eight charges from March 22 to 28, and 24 charges March 15 to 21.

While no charges were laid in Newmarket, enforcement officers issued 19 education notices while conducting 482 inspections -- second highest in the region, with Vaughan bylaw officers completing 496 inspections, according to a York Region news release.

York Regional Police laid the majority of charges, 19, for which no details are provided. York Region Transit laid seven charges, while Markham bylaw officers laid four charges, each with a total fine of $880.

Canan Art Centre on Anderson Avenue was charged for obstructing an enforcement officer, exceeding gathering limits and lacking a safety plan and signage.

Full Fresh Supermarket on Woodbine Avenue was charged for lack of physical distancing, while Shoppers Drug Mart on Markham Road was charged with selling non-essential items.

"Inspections carried out indicate most businesses and customers in York Region are adhering to COVID-19 safety measures and protocols," York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey said, adding that 573 compliance education activities were completed last week.

Since March 2020, public health inspectors, municipal bylaw officers and other enforcement agencies have completed 54,591 inspections, resulting in 1,157 charges and 26,379 compliance education activities.

Task force members are composed of representatives of bylaw officers from the nine municipalities, public health Inspectors, York Regional Police, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and Provincial Offence Act court prosecutions.