The OPP is requesting that Ontarians voluntarily comply with the new Stay-at-Home Order to limit mobility outside their homes, except for essential reasons, to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Officers will enforce the Stay-at-Home 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 5 people. Officers can disperse and ticket individuals found to be non-compliant with the Acts.
Fines are $750 for failing to comply with an order and/or $1000 for preventing officers (including individuals, employees or other workers) from following an order. Maximum fines for individuals are up to $100,000 and $10 million dollars for a corporation. Failure to follow the rules can result in prosecution or jail time.
As a reminder, in the absence of a complaint or other grounds, officers will not arbitrarily stop an individual or a vehicle or enter a dwelling for the singular purpose of checking compliance with the order.
Individuals are not expected to provide proof of essential work.
Officers can ask an individual to identify themselves if they have reasonable grounds to believe the individual is violating an Act.
The OPP asks that 911 be used for emergency purposes only. If you have questions about the Stay-at-Home order please visit covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions.
To learn more about Covid-19 support services, visit www.211oncovid19.ca or call the hotline at 211 for assistance. 211 is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and service is available in 150 languages.
For non emergencies, including allegations of non-compliance – contact your police services of jurisdiction. If that is the OPP, call 1-888-310-1122 (toll free in Ontario). In emergencies always call 911.
