Residents of Elgin and Oxford county who don't obey public health instructions to self-isolate in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 could now be hit with a $5,000 fine.
Southwestern Public Health, the region's health unit, announced on Thursday new orders under Section 22 of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act that apply to all people who reside in the two counties. The order gives the health unit more power to force people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have symptoms, or are awaiting test results to quarantine. It also allows the health unit to demand an individual be tested for the virus.
“Largely, the residents of this region have been doing what they can and should do. Most of us want to keep our friends, family, and neighbours safe," Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock said in a statement. "But occasionally public health needs the legal means to enforce best practices related to infection prevention and control. This order gives us the authority to do that should it be required."
Self-isolation includes remaining inside your home or isolation facility and not going outside, unless on to a private balcony or enclosed yard. Individuals in isolation cannot have any visitors not permitted by Southwestern Public Health. The order also requires the infected to seek medical help if their condition worsens.
Anyone who violates the order can be fined up to $5,000 per day for every day the offence occurs or continues.
The order officially comes into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday and will remain in place until further notice.
This is the second order under Section 22 of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act that has been issued by Lock. The first one on July 8, contained mandatory safety measures to protect migrant workers on area farms.