People and businesses in Manitoba that violate public health guidelines can now be ticketed by municipal bylaw enforcement officers.
The province announced the change on Friday, which goes into effect immediately.
Municipal bylaw officers will now be able to enforce the following health orders:
- Orders limiting the size of gatherings;
- Orders imposing health protection measures on business (e.g. social distancing, capacity limits, patrons to remain seated at bars, etc.);
- Orders requiring people with a positive COVID-19 test, or those advised they are a close contact, to self-isolate;
- Orders requiring people travelling into Manitoba to self-isolate according to public health; and
- Orders prohibiting travel to northern Manitoba.
Fines are now set at $1,296 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations.
Previously, public health orders were enforceable by the RCMP and other police agencies, the Health Protection Unit, Manitoba Conservation and Climate, Workplace Safety and Health, and the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority.
