Manitoba RCMP fine 8 alleged COVID-19 rule-breakers, mostly for failing to self-isolate

More than half of the ManitobanswhomRCMPfined in the first half of this month for violating COVID-19 health orders allegedly failed to properly self-isolate.

From Nov. 2 to 13, Mounties issued 42 verbal warnings and ticketed eight Manitobans for failing to comply with provincial emergency orders. RCMPreceived more than 250 COVID-19 calls during that time.

Three of the fines were issued to people in Cross Lake, Man.In separate cases, two menthere allegedly failed to follow self-isolation protocols, and amale Winnipeg teen was fined for travellingto northern Manitoba. There is currently a restriction on non-essential travel in the north of the province.

Two men, from Fisher Branch andThe Pas, were also fined for failing to self-isolate, as were two women from Peguis, RCMP said.

And a woman from the St-Pierre-Jolys area was fined on Friday for having a gathering of more than five people, which is the current maximum not counting those in a household. Health officials have urged people to avoid socializing with anyone outside their household members.

The RCMP have issued 119 warnings and issued 50 fines since April 9 related to COVID-19 public health order violations.

RCMP blocked vehicle access, but did not issue tickets, at agathering in Steinbach that attracted more than 100 people Saturday to protest provincewide code red restrictions, a police spokesperson said on the weekend. Provincial and public health enforcement officers there did issue some tickets.

Premier Brian Pallistersaid Tuesday that people who went to that protest disobeyed public health rules and put people at risk.

"The rally was dangerous in the way it was conducted. The rally was disrespectful," he said. "Fines are being issued as we speak to those who demonstrated that disrespect."

He also announced that about90 G4S Canada security guardswill soon be able to enforce the public health rules, and 32 tickets were issued across Manitoba last week.

Provincial fines for people who break public health rules are $1,296; businesses can be fined $5,000.

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