RCMP charge 4 people, business for COVID-19 related violations

RCMP have charged four people and a business for violating Nova Scotia’s emergency response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Nova Scotia has closed all non-essential businesses be closed to the public under the province’s emergency measures act and implemented physical distancing requirements in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia RCMP charge 4 people with violating province’s Health Protection Act

Police say that on April 1, three people were charged under section 23 (b) of the Emergency Management Act for failing to comply with a direction made under the Act.

At the same time, one business was charged under Section 71(1)(a) and one person was charged under Section 71(1)(b) of the Health Protection Act for failing to adhere to order contained in the Chief Medical Officer’s Public Health Order.

The three people charged under the Emergency Management Act face a one of $697.50 each.

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Under the Health Protect Act, the business was fined $7,500 and the individual was fined $1,000.

The RCMP are continuing to remind Nova Scotians of the rules under the emergency measures act as they continue to enforce the directives that are supposed to help reduced the spread of COVID-19.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.