UPDATE: Maskless employees resulted in charges
Bylaw enforcement officers in Chatham-Kent are bringing down the hammer on people who are not wearing masks when they are supposed to.
A release from the municipality of Chatham-Kent said two charges were laid on Friday, December 11, 2020 against "individuals not wearing masks in required indoor public spaces under the Reopening Ontario Act."
The charges each carry an $880 fine and were laid at "businesses in communities across Chatham-Kent."
No further details were immediately available Monday afternoon about the individuals who were charged or the businesses where they were when the alleged mask infractions took place.
The release from the municipality noted that under the Reopening Ontario Act, "The person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall ensure that any person in the indoor area of the premises of the business or organization, or in a vehicle that is operating as part of the business or organization, wears a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin during any period when they are in the indoor area."
It also said the charges followed multiple complaints that had been received regarding various establishments not enforcing the mask regulation and noted that "bylaw enforcement officers will continue enforcement of the provincial regulations throughout the community."
Chatham-Kent's police chief warned last month that the time for education is over when it comes to enforcing COVID-19 safety protocols, adding that his officers will also be taking a stricter approach.
