Alberta Will Slam Anyone Not Self-Isolating Properly With A $1000 Fine

Since people are not following the COVID-19 rules set out by officials, Alberta COVID-19 fines will be put into effect for people who reject the government orders. The policy imposing these fines has been implemented in order to protect the health and safety of all Albertans. Premier Jason Kenney addressed the public about this new rule on Wednesday, March 25. 

All individuals are being asked to practice social distancing in order to flatten the growth curve of COVID-19 cases in the province. Anyone who shows symptoms or has just returned from travel is being asked to self-isolate.  

While some people have been following the rules, others are not taking the suggestions so seriously. 

In order to prove how serious this is, officials in Alberta will soon be issuing fines to enforce COVID-19 public health orders. 

There are a number of things people can be fined for, including: not following mandatory self-isolation for 14 days upon returning from travel, not self-isolating for a minimum of 10 days if showing symptoms, attending gatherings of over 50 people, and not self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19. 

Fines can be as high as $1,000 per occurrence and will be given to anyone violating orders. 

The policy will be put into effect over the coming days. 

Access to recreational facilities, bars, and nightclubs is prohibited and visitation to long-term care facilities is also limited to essential visitors only. 

To enforce this, the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services are working together with local law enforcement to manage complaints that are submitted online. 

Jason Kenney stated that they are also looking at allowing municipal bylaw officers to have fine enforcement powers.

Fine exemptions will be assessed on a case by case basis. 

“If you violate the rules that we have laid down you will now be subject to stringent penalties and fines with rigorous enforcement behind them,” said Kenney. 

“When life returns to normal, we will no longer require these kinds of extraordinary powers but right now we must use every tool available to ensure public safety.”

Community peace officers and police will be the ones issuing the fines. 

There will also be larger fines for second offences. 

The Government of Alberta is constantly updating resources and public health orders so you can be aware of what is and is not permissible at this time.