Skip to content

Local police say they are 'prepared to take enforcement action' against those who don't follow COVID-19 guidelines

The legislation does not allow for random vehicle stops by police
20151230 South Simcoe Police KA 01
File photo. Kenneth Armstrong/Village Media

NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
********************************
The South Simcoe Police Service continues to respond to changes to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act through a tiered approach of Community Engagement, Education and Enforcement.

The Stay-At-Home Order is now in effect to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the South Simcoe Police Service is asking residents to comply with the provincial regulations, which began Jan. 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.  

The government is directing Ontarians to stay home except for essential purposes such as grocery shopping, accessing health care and exercising. We urge you to continue to work with us and our partners at municipal by-law to keep our communities healthy and safe. Together we can make a difference and help flatten the curve.  

"We will be doing our part to encourage people to stay home but are prepared to take enforcement action for those who do not follow the guidelines," said Chief Andrew Fletcher.

We know you have many questions about the restrictions and how they apply to living and working in Simcoe County. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.  

  • Employers are not required to provide essential workers with a letter to keep in their vehicle to prove they are travelling to work.
  • The legislation does not allow for random vehicle stops to enforce the emergency order.
  • Outdoor recreational amenities permitted to be open, subject to conditions, include parks, playgrounds and recreational areas, tobogganing hills, skating trails, ice rinks, snowmobile and cross-country and ice fishing huts with immediate family members only and no overnight use.
  • Outdoor organized public gatherings and social gatherings are further restricted to a limit of five people with limited exceptions.
  • People are required to wear a mask or face covering in the indoor areas of businesses or organizations that are open. Wearing a mask or face covering is now recommended outdoors when you can't physically distance more than two metres.
  • Short term rentals are only to be provided to individuals who are in need of housing.

 

The full text of the regulation is on our website southsimcoepolice.ca or visit the Ontario government website ontario.ca. We ask that you help us by staying home as much as possible in order to keep our communities safe.  Together we can get through this latest challenge.

*********************************