Windsor's bylaw enforcement officers continue to hold business owners accountable for not following COVID-19 regulations.
The city reported Monday afternoon that officers conducted a total of 154 proactive compliance checks last week, to ensure businesses were following Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines for controlling COVID-19. Officers also followed up on 37 complaints relayed through the 311 phone line.
A total of 22 charges were laid as a result of the blitz's second week. These included 16 for businesses that could not produce a COVID-19 safety plan, four for employees who were not wearing masks, and two for not having proper signage on display.
The initiative began on November 23, with city officials promising to practice "tough love" on those not following the guidelines. In the first week of the blitz, a total of 23 citations were written. The charges typically come with a fine of $880.
Under the Reopening Ontario Act, businesses are required to draw up a COVID-19 safety plan for employees and customers, and be ready to show it upon request. Merchants are also required to comply with any regulations set forth by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
