Toronto Police Can Now Charge You Up To $5,000 If You Break COVID-19 Rules

The City is cracking down on those who aren't taking the pandemic seriously. 

In a press conference on Monday, it was announced that Toronto Police can now fine you up to $5,000 if you are caught breaking COVID-19 rules. 

According to Matthew Pegg, general manager of Toronto’s Office of Emergency Management, both bylaw officers and Toronto police now have the authority to enforce these restrictions that are under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. 

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This change has been implemented to ensure that our enforcement remains coordinated and to ensure we are able to effectively enforce these measures. Matthew Pegg

Prior to this change, only Toronto Public Health inspectors were able to hand out fines. 

Pegg also notes that corporations can be fined up to $25,000 a day for failing to follow public health guidelines.

Despite the change in tactics, Pegg assured that the overwhelming majority of Torontonians have been complying with the rules.

Eighty restaurants were inspected in the city's entertainment district over the weekend, out of which 71 complied.

Five charges were laid in regard to the non-compliant businesses. Four additional warnings were also given.

On Monday morning, Mayor Tory also announced that he was considering enforcing stricter occupancy rules on shopping malls and retailers.