COVID-19 Enforcement

COVID-19 Enforcement

Alberta implemented enforcing measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, restricting mass gatherings to protect Albertan's health and limit 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.
 
A gathering is any event or assembling that brings people together in person, in a single space at the same time.  Click here for restrictions on Mass Gatherings as outlined by the Government of Alberta.
 

What should I do if someone is refusing to follow public health orders (e.g. mandatory self-isolation)?

  • Remind the person that not following public health orders is against the law and puts people at risk.  Law enforcement now has full authority to enforce public health orders and issue fines.
  • Take proper precautions and if possible, distance yourself from the individual to limit your risk of exposure if they have symptoms.
  • If there are supports that person needs to isolate, encourage the person to reach out to what options the Barrhead community has to provide
  • You can submit a complaint to AHS public health inspectors online or at 1-833-415-9179 if you are concerned an establishment or and individual is not following the orders under the public health emergency, such as a business that was ordered to close but remains open, or a business operating above the 50-person capacity.  DO NOT submit a complaint both online and by phone.
  • The Alberta government and Alberta Health Services are working with local enforcement agencies to manage complaints.
 

What if we see businesses or other organizations not following the public health orders?

  • Notify local law enforcement immediately of any business or other organizations who are not following public health orders by submitting a complaint online.
  • The Alberta government and Alberta Health Services are working with local enforcement agencies to manage complaints.
 

What does enforcement look like?  What happens when someone violates these orders?

  • Anyone putting their families, neighbours or other Albertans at risk will face consequences.
  • Through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, community peace officers, in addition to police, can issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 public health orders.
  • Fines 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 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 are aggressive measures the government does not take lightly, but they are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe.