A man accused of holding an event that broke COVID-19 rules is admitting he made a mistake when the event was held at the Dresden Private Mennonite School.
School principal Heinrich Unger told Blackburn News he didn't cancel the annual holiday event because he thought it was permitted. Unger said he "wasn't familiar" with the COVID-19 protection rules in place, but says he knows them now. He promised not to hold large indoor gatherings during the pandemic again. Unger said people were following safe distancing rules and about 70 per cent were wearing masks. He also said signs were displayed on the doors about the symptoms of COVID-19.
The gathering involved more than 50 parents and students. Unger added, to date, nobody has reported being ill or having symptoms. He said there has been no testing yet and probably won't be unless people start feeling symptoms of the virus. The school closed for the holidays on Friday.
Unger has a future court date and a potentially hefty fine is pending. Under current legislation, organizers of gatherings who violate the law could face a minimum fine of $10,000 while attendees can be fined $750 each.
Chatham-Kent is currently in the Yellow-Protect level of the provincial colour-coded restriction rules. Under yellow, organized public gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. However, a 28-day lockdown will start in southern Ontario at 12:01 a.m. on December 26.
- with files from Natalia Vega
