Chatham-Kent has laid its first mask charges under the COVID-19 provincial regulations.
Municipal officials say on Friday December 11, 2020, Chatham-Kent bylaw enforcement officers laid two charges against individuals not wearing masks in required indoor public spaces under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.
The charges, which carry an $880 fine, were laid at businesses in communities across Chatham-Kent, Municipal officials say.
Municipal officials say under the legislation “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.”
The charges stem from multiple complaints received by the municipality regarding various establishments not enforcing the mask regulation.
Bylaw enforcement officers will continue enforcement of the provincial regulations throughout the community, Municipal officials added.
