Premier Jason Kenney speaks during a news conference on March 25 (Gov't of Alberta livestream)

By Troy Gillard

Enforcing measures to stop COVID-19 spread

Albertans face heavy fines for violating public health orders

Mar 25, 2020 | 4:20 PM

Law enforcement agencies in Alberta have been granted full authority by the provincial government to issue fines to those who violate public health orders aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, community peace officers, in addition to police, will be able to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.

Fines now administered 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 administer 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.

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“We must do everything we can to protect Albertans through this pandemic,” said Premier Jason Kenney. “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.

“Self-isolation orders are not suggestions or guidelines – they are now the law and they must be followed. Anyone putting their families, their neighbours, or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.”

Public health orders subject to fines for violation include:

• Any individual 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.

• Any individual 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.

• Any individual 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.

The Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services are working with local enforcement agencies to manage complaints, which can be submitted online.

Exemptions will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis by public health officials.