Throwing a party could cost you a $2,000 fine under B.C.’s new COVID-19 enforcement rules.
Effective immediately, property owners and organizers who contravene the provincial health officer’s order on gatherings and events can be issued tickets.
“A party is not worth someone’s life,” Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said Friday.
“Let’s get back on track.”
The focus will be contraventions of the provincial health officer’s order on gatherings and events: hosting a private party or public event with more than 50 people present, failing to provide appropriate hand sanitation and washroom facilities, failing to provide sufficient space in the venue for physical distancing, failing to obtain a list of names and contacts at large events, or having more than five guests gathered in a vacation accommodation.
The $2,000 violation tickets will be going to owners and organizers where unsafe events take place.
The changes come amid an increase in new cases of COVID-19, the majority among young adults, and reports of large gatherings in contravention of the provincial health officer’s orders.
B.C. reported 90 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total number of active cases to 824. There were two additional deaths, bringing the total to 202. As well, 2,594 people are being monitored as a result of possible exposure to COVID-19.
There was one new case reported in the Island Health region, bringing the total to date to 160. Of those, nine are active.
Five deaths of been linked to the virus, and 146 people have recovered.
Farnworth noted the concerns of British Columbians over spikes in cases among young people.
“There is no excuse to disregard the responsibility we share to keep each other safe in this pandemic,” said Farnworth. “And we’ve all seen it in the news or in our neighbourhoods. Large house parties, unsanctioned events in our streets, on our beaches; enough is enough.”
The majority of British Columbians are following guidelines and orders, said Farnworth, saying one of the biggest problems is house parties.
“These irresponsible actions are putting our most vulnerable at risk; these actions could cost people their lives, and that is why stricter enforcement is necessary,” said Farnworth.
He blamed a “small minority of selfish, individuals across the province, who are disregarding the public health measures” put in place by provincial and regional health officers.
Police and other enforcement officers will also be able to issue $200 violation tickets to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events or who refuse to comply with requests to follow health orders or safe operating procedures, or respond with abusive behaviour, said Farnworth.
He said that a house party with fewer than 50 people is not necessarily legal as there are several accompanying measures that must also be in place.
If a homeowner hosts a party for fewer than 50 people, for instance, but 38 people are crammed into the kitchen, unable to physically distance two metres from one another, “then clearly that’s a violation of the order and the owner would be subject to a $2,000 ticket.”
And, for example, if the police ask people to leave and they do not to or act belligerently “they would get a $200 ticket.”
“You must follow all guidelines,” said Farnworth. “So if you’re hosting a large penthouse party, organizing a street gathering, or drum circle on the beach, we will be watching.”
Victoria police spokesman Const. Cam MacIntyre says the pandemic has presented continued challenges and “it’s clear that some people have chosen to ignore the advice of the provincial health officer, which has led to higher levels of enforcement being required.” Victoria police will take a measured approach in enforcement “and remind the public of the absolute importance of following the guidelines set forth by the provincial health officer.”
Oak Bay Deputy Police Chief Ray Bernoties said he hopes people will simply comply “as we are not interested in enforcing health orders but we do understand the need for our involvement.”
Bernoties doesn’t foresee issues in Oak Bay but suggests people should familiarize themselves with the health orders to ensure they’re compliant.
Saanich police have said the frequency of complaints about large gatherings seems similar to other years and it’s concerning that some people do not appear to be following public health guidelines designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Last Friday, officers were called about a group of 20 to 30 people near Northridge Elementary School shortly before 11 p.m. Less than 10 minutes later, they received calls saying the group had grown to more than 100 people, and some of whom were becoming verbally aggressive and trying to damage private property.
Saanich Police Acting Staff Sgt. Michael Duquette said generally people are compliant with police orders to disperse but where there are problems the $200 is “quite high” and likely to be an effective deterrent. “It definitely sends a message,” said Duquette. When the province hiked fines for distracted driving it made a notiecable difference in behaviour, he said.
The new enforcement measures are enacted under the provincial state of emergency.
Farnworth said while he’s disappointed these measures are now necessary, “I am taking this action to give police agencies and provincial enforcement officers the ability to take action against those who are putting people’s lives at risk.”
If violation tickets do not prove to be effective deterrents, or in cases of egregious contraventions or for repeat offenders, police can recommend charges. On conviction, penalties of up to $10,000 may be levied, according to the province.
“I can assure you that the province will do everything we can to stop shameful practices and keep people safe,” said Farnworth. “We need to ensure that all public health orders and orders issued under the Emergency Program Act are followed.”
ceharnett@timescolonist.com
