More Businesses Mandated To Close In Reponse To COVID-19

Saturday, 4 April 2020 at 16:00

More businesses have been mandated to close in the communities of Stratford, St.Marys and Perth South.

STRATFORD - Further businesses have been mandated to close in the communities of Stratford, St.Marys and South Perth, as the Province added to the Emergency Order and reduced the list of businesses that are deemed essential.

During this time, the Stratford Police Service's goal is to educate others. They say they'll continue to strive towards working together with their community as a whole to educate the citizens of Stratford, St Marys
and Perth South of their requirements under the Emergency Order, along with their social
responsibilities to keep themselves and their neighbours safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While their main goal is education, they say to be mindful that penalties
can be imposed on people who choose to go against the Emergency Order and charges can be laid under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

An individual can be issued a maximum fine of $100,000 and a jail term of up to one year; a person responsible for a corporation can be issued a maximum fine of up to $500,000 and a jail term of up to one year; and a corporation can be issued a maximum fine of up to $10,000,000.

Members of the Stratford Police Service
see their communities’ response to this unprecedented situation has been quite
positive. They say they've seen citizens quickly adapt to this “new normal”.

Traffic is down significantly, both vehicular and pedestrian, showing people are
staying home.

People have been seen to be practicing social distancing and are patient with lining up to get into the grocery store; and they're also staying
away from the outlined restricted areas. Police are encouraging everyone to continue these practices, continue to follow the guidelines of the Emergency Order, the guidelines for self-isolation when necessary and the recommendations by the local, provincial and federal Heath Units.

They also commend local businesses for the work they've all done by closing when mandated, or putting safety measures in place for their employees and customers. If you are a
business owner and have questions regarding the requirements under the Provincial
Order you are reminded to go to the Ontario website or call the Stop the Spread Information Line for assistance.

You can go here to see a full list of essential businesses.