The OPP has shared details about its enforcement approach for the provincial government’s new stay-at-home order.
Provincial Police say its officers will enforce the order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and the Reopening Ontario Act by focusing on non-compliance in businesses and restaurants, complaints from the public and outdoor gatherings of more than five people.
“Fines are $750 for failing to comply with an order and/or $1,000 for preventing others (including individuals, employees or other workers) from following an order,” OPP say in a release. “Maximum fines for individuals are up $100,000 and $10 million for a corporation. Failure to follow the rules can result in prosecution or jail time.”
OPP say police officers will not arbitrarily stop an individual or a vehicle, or enter a house for the sole purpose of checking for compliance with the order unless there is a complaint or other grounds.
Individuals are not expected to provide proof of essential work.
Provincial Police say officers can ask an individual to identify themselves if they have reasonable grounds to believe the individual is violating an Act.
The Ford government’s stay-at-home order came into effect Thursday. It requires people to stay home except for essential purposes, although there are a broad range of activities considered essential under the legislation.
All the details about exemptions under the order are available here.