Two pawn shops have become the first businesses in London to be fined for failing to follow the provincial government's emergency COVID-19 orders.
The City of London said the two pawn shops were both issued provincial offence notices by by-law officers for remaining open when all non-essential businesses were ordered to close by the Ontario government. The order came into effect on March 25.
"These orders are in effect to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” said Chief By-Law Officer Orest Katolyk in a news release. “We know this is a difficult time for everyone, and that includes businesses in our community, however, these orders cannot be taken lightly. We need everyone to be doing everything they can to stop this virus from spreading.”
Other emergency order violations that could result in charges include participating in a gathering of more than five people, attending parks or other closed outdoor recreational spaces, and price gouging on necessary goods. As well, the federal government has ordered a 14-day quarantine for anyone who is returning to Canada from another country.
Anyone with concerns about an individual or business not complying with these government orders is asked to contact the City of London by email at COVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca or call 519-661-4660.