Fines for Not Wearing a Mask is $298 in Manitoba
WINNIPEG – As Manitoba remains under stringent COVID-19 protocols, the province is also stepping up enforcement efforts in efforts to stop the Second Wave of COVID-19 in the province.
The Manitoba government, on November 24, 2020 is providing an update on ongoing enforcement efforts to protect Manitobans from the spread of COVID-19.
In a media statement the province says that, “In total, 79 warnings and 95 tickets were issued last week between November 16 to 22, a significant increase from the week prior, when 54 warnings and 30 tickets were issued. This includes nine $5,000 tickets to business, and 55 $1,296 tickets to individuals. Three band bylaw tickets were also issued by the Manitoba First Nations Police Service.
Last week, a specific fine of $298 was put in place for not wearing a mask in indoor public places, as required under current public health orders. Since that time, 28 tickets have been issued for the offence.
A total of $126,082 in fines were issued last week, up from $49,992 the week prior.
The province is also providing an update on enforcement related to a large demonstration held in Steinbach on November 14, 2020. To date, 16 tickets have been sworn and more are expected to receive tickets as the investigation continues. One person who attended a subsequent event at the Legislative Building in Winnipeg on November 21, 2020, was identified and served with a ticket for their participation in the earlier event.
Enforcement officials are also investigating a large gathering for a church service in Steinbach that occurred over the weekend. One individual received a $1,296 ticket and more tickets for other participants are expected as the investigation continues.
Since enforcement efforts began in April, a total of 388 warnings and 307 tickets have been issued, resulting in more than $390,000 in fines to businesses and individuals.
Almost 3,300 personnel across various agencies are empowered to enforce public health orders to protect Manitobans continue. 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.
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.
Additional information about public health enforcement is available at:
Current public health orders restrict gatherings and limit group sizes, set out the distance individuals are required to observe from another and require businesses to ensure their customers are able to maintain the required separation.
In addition to the new $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.
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.
