**** RCMP Media Release
RCMP charge organization for failing to comply with COVID-19 health restrictions
Barrington RCMP has charged an organization for failing to comply with COVID-19 health restrictions after a craft fair in Woods Harbour.
On October 20, police received a complaint from the community concerning a community centre on Hwy. 3 in Woods Harbour that was not abiding by COVID-19 health restrictions. Police learned that the community centre had been routinely hosting events and failing to enforce proof of vaccination or masking requirements. There was concern in the community that the organizations failure to properly enforce COVID-19 health restrictions, could lead to the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
On October 21, police spoke with the community centre management and educated them on the guidelines and restrictions that were in place related to COVID-19 health restrictions. Management was provided documentation as well on what was required of the community centre to safely host events.
On October 24, police attended a Halloween craft fair that was being hosted at the community centre to determine if health restrictions were being followed. Police observed numerous people not wearing masks and no one had been designated to check proof of vaccination as required. Police spoke with event organizers and learned that they had been instructed by the community centre that health restrictions did not apply to them and that they would not need to be enforced. Police educated the craft fair organizers and with their cooperation, the craft fair was permitted to continue.
On November 5, police served the organization with a Summary Offence Ticket for failing to abide by COVID-19 health restrictions. The ticket carries a fine of $11,622.50.
The RCMP is reminding everyone to follow all public health orders and municipal bylaws. We all need to do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The RCMP would like to thank Nova Scotians for their continued support, and express appreciation to the vast majority who are adhering to the directives outlined by the provincial government. For more information, visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/.
