Law enforcement agencies in Alberta have been granted full authority to enforce COVID-19 public health orders and issue fines.
"While the vast majority of Albertans are doing their part to flatten the curve by self-isolating, practising physical distancing or helping those who are self-isolating, some are not," said Jason Kenney, premier of Alberta.
"Self-isolation orders are not suggestions or guidelines 鈥� they are now the law and they must be followed.
"Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.鈥�
Kenney said that Alberta has gone from asking, to using the "full force of the law" that requires people act responsibly to protect public health.
Public health orders subject to fines for violation include:
- Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada must go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days from their return, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of any symptoms should they occur, whichever is longer.
- Anyone who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms must self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the start of their symptoms, or until the symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. Symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or a sore throat.
- Anyone who has been identified by as a close contact of a person(s) with COVID-19 must go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days from the date of last having been exposed to COVID-19, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of any symptoms should they occur, whichever is longer.
- Mass gatherings must be limited to no more than 50 attendees.
- Access to public recreational facilities, private entertainment facilities, bars and nightclubs is prohibited.
- Visitation to long-term care and other continuing care facilities is limited to essential visitors only.
An example Kenney used at his media conference March 25, was that peace officers could break up a big group having a picnic.
"We just really want to send a message that it's not a hint or suggestion, it's a legal rerquirement that under certain circumstances people must isolate themselves," he said.
Both community peace officers and police will be able to issue tickets of up to $1,000 per violation to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.
Fines issued through tickets for violating an order have increased from up to $100 per day to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence.
Courts will also have increased powers to issue fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations. These new fines will be in force over the coming days.
Kenney described the penalties as 鈥渁 reasonable, prudent but necessary response to the COVID outbreak in Alberta.鈥�
The Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services are working with local enforcement agencies to manage complaints, which can be submitted .
Exemptions will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis by public health officials.
61 new cases
Dr Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health for Alberta, announced 61 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province today.
That brings the total to 419, and up to 33 of those are suspected to have come about by community transmission.
The case count in Jasper is still at two, and there is one confirmed case in Hinton.
Quick facts
- All Albertans have a responsibility to help prevent the spread. Take steps to protect yourself and others:
- practise social distancing
- stay home and away from others if sick or in isolation
- practise good hygiene 鈥� wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your face
- monitor for symptoms, such as cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing
- Anyone who has health concerns or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should complete an online .
- For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community, visit .
