An Aylmer man, who recently returned from South America, has been charged for violating a mandatory federal order to self-quarantine.
Police received a complaint about the 42-year-old leaving his home on Monday. Officers tracked the man down, explained the legislation meant to protect citizens from COVID-19 and then let him off with a warning. However, the following day the man was spotted outside of his home again, this time out making deliveries in the town.
The man is now charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Anyone convicted under the act could be fined up to $100,000 and be sentenced to up to one year in jail.
It is believed the unidentified man is the first person in southwestern Ontario to be charged under the emergency law since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“Citizens are reminded that police will not tolerate blatant disregard for safety of citizens of Aylmer and Ontarians," said Aylmer Police Chief Zvonko Horvat. "There is a reason why government passed the legislation and everyone needs to do their part to minimize the risk of exposure to the global pandemic. If you chose to violate the order, you will be charged."
The federal government invoked the Quarantine Act to force travellers returning to Canada from abroad to self-isolate for a mandatory 14 days to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Under the order, those who have recently returned from abroad cannot leave their home, including to go to work or to get groceries.