December 1, 2020
COVID-19 Enforcement Update
The Manitoba government is providing an update on ongoing enforcement efforts to protect Manitobans from the spread of COVID-19.
A total of 202 warnings and 100 tickets were issued last week from Nov. 23 to 29 including:
• 22 $5,000 tickets to businesses for various offences;
• 48 $1,296 tickets to individuals for various offences;
• 23 $298 tickets for failure to wear a mask in indoor public places; and
• seven band bylaw tickets were issued by Manitoba First Nations Police Service.
A total of $181,574 in fines were issued last week, up from $126,082 the week prior.
Current public health orders restrict indoor and outdoor gatherings in public places of no more than five. The Manitoba government encourages Manitobans to continue to stay active and enjoy the outdoors in groups of no more than five.
Officials are also providing an update on enforcement efforts related to religious services at two churches over the weekend.
The Church of God (Restoration) received a business fine of $5,000, while individuals received a total of six tickets for $1,296. One $1,296 ticket was issued for the service at Springs Church. Several tickets are pending, including a business fine of $5,000. Investigations related to these services are ongoing and further tickets are expected to follow.
The province is also providing an update on enforcement related to a large demonstration in Steinbach on Nov. 14. To date, 30 tickets have been sworn and more are expected to receive tickets as the investigation continues.
Enforcement officials advise a protest at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights was prevented by Winnipeg Police Service on Nov. 28 before a group larger than five could gather.
Since enforcement efforts began in April, a total of 663 warnings and 353 tickets have been issued, resulting in more than $549,846 in fines to businesses and individuals.
Almost 3,300 personnel across various agencies are empowered to enforce public health orders to protect Manitobans. This includes RCMP, law enforcement agencies, provincial employees and municipal partners, such as the City of Winnipeg. The number of personnel who are trained and actively enforcing public health orders continues to grow, with an additional 208 people trained as of last week.
Updated enforcement statistics are now posted online weekly. For more information go to Cross-Departmental Reports at www.gov.mb.ca/openmb/infomb/departments.html.
In addition to a $298 fine for not wearing a mask in indoor public places, fine amounts for violating public health orders have been set at $1,296 for tickets issued to individuals, including sole proprietorships and partnerships, and $5,000 for tickets issued to corporations.
Officials advise that most business and individuals are supportive of current public health orders to protect Manitobans from the spread of COVID-19, while some require additional education and enforcement.
Manitobans can report compliance and enforcement issues by visiting www.manitoba.ca/COVID19 and completing the reporting form, or by calling 204-945-3744 or 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) and pressing option three on the call menu.
The Manitoba government is taking strong action to protect Manitobans and ensure timely access to care. Current orders under the Public Health Act are available at:
Manitobans are reminded to adhere to all current public health orders and stay home. For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.
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