COVID charges laid after gathering exceeds limit

LEAMINGTON — On September 27, at approximately 2:00 a.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of a gathering at a residence on Talbot Street West.

Upon arrival, police observed more than 20 people present inside a residence within an apartment complex. This was in violation of the total number of persons allowed to gather together indoors according to recent amendments to the Reopening Ontario Act.

A 54-year-old Leamington resident was issued a Provincial Offences Notice, charged with Failing to Comply with a Continued Section 7.0.2 Order, contrary to the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020. Upon conviction, this offence carries a set fine of $750.

In the interest of public safety, the OPP in Essex County will continue to respond to and investigate violations under this Act, charging those individuals who fail to comply.