A large group of protestors gathered in a southern Manitoba community on Saturday to protest the latest public health restrictions ushered in earlier this week.
It's estimated at least 100 people were at the event in Steinbach, organized by the Hugs Over Masks group. Some attendees were seen not wearing masks and others were noticed not practicing social distancing.
Several speakers at the rally addressed the crowd — including Lewis Weiss, reeve for the R.M. of La Broquerie. Reports say he was issued a fine by provincial officials.
Manitoba Public Health orders currently cap gatherings at any indoor or outdoor public place at 5 people.
The current fine for an individual breaking a public health order is $1,296. Businesses can be fined $5,000.
Manitoba RCMP was on the scene blocking access to the rally but did not issue any tickets. Provincial environment and health officers issued fines to some of the protestors in attendance.
RCMP spokesperson Const. Julie Courchaine says "the RCMP used a measured approach during today's event and will be working with Manitoba Public Health to further investigate breaches of the public health order,” and added, “the RCMP respects individuals charter right to peacefully assemble while balancing that with the safety of the public.”
Steinbach is a COVID-19 Hotspot
Steinbach is home to one of the highest infection rates in the country.
On Saturday, the city of roughly 15,000 people had 263 active cases of COVID-19, 199 people recovered, and 14 deaths.
A nurse at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach told media the site is overcapacity, and that healthcare staff are facing an unsustainable workload.
The union representing nurses says some patients are being triaged in their cars due to a lack of space in the emergency department.
