Toronto police say 14 fines for not following public health rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic were handed out after officers were called to a house for a “noisy party” in Scarborough.
Police said they attended a residence in the Kingston Road and St. Clair Avenue East area during the evening to late hours on Tuesday that had about 50 people.
The provincial offence notices were issued under the Reopening Ontario Act for failing to comply with Section 7.0.2. order.
Each of the 14 people received an $880 ticket.
It is unclear if the hosts or organizers of the party were charged. Fines for hosts and organizers are a minimum of $10,000. Police said further charges could be laid depending on the outcome of the investigation.
“The education phase is over. Now we’re in the enforcement phase,” Toronto Police Deputy Chief Peter Yuen told Global News.
“As we see the numbers are going up, and the virus continues to spread, we are very concerned about public safety and public health,” he added.
Current gathering restrictions are now limited across Ontario to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
“Blatant disregard of rules meant to protect us all,” Toronto police officer Randall Arsenault said in a tweet. “House parties, please keep them under control.”
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