Ontario Police Can Now Stop Cars & Residents To Ask Why They Aren't At Home

Ontario officers will now be doubling down on their enforcement of the provincial stay-at-home orders.

Premier Doug Ford announced on Friday that his government would be granting police and by-law officers additional authorities to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.

Editor's Choice: Ontario Has Extended Its Stay-At-Home Order & Is Implementing So Many Other Restrictions

Solicitor General Sylvia Jones revealed that police will be able to stop vehicles or residents to question why they're not at home. 

"If you are not willing to comply, then you are breaking the law and there is an option for the police officer to issue a ticket,” stated Jones.

“Currently if you break an order under the EMCPA, then it is $750 as I understand it.”

How long will these new rules last? 

Police will only have the authority to stop vehicles and ask residents about the reason for leaving their homes during the stay-at-home order. 

"This additional enforcement tool will only be in effect during the stay-at-home order and exclusively to enforce the stay-at-home order," read a press release. 

During this time, police will also have the right to ask for your home address. 

Ford added that the initiative will target anyone refusing to follow public health measures, including those that are gathering in large groups. 

"For our part, we're taking decisive action on the ground to dramatically step up enforcement," Ford said. "We have made the difficult but necessary decision to give police and bylaw officers special authorities to enforce public health measures for the duration of the stay-at-home order."