Only a small number of COVID-19 offences result in fines

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has found over 430 COVID-related infractions, but only a small number of those ended in fines.

According to an email response, the SHA inspected 968 facilities across the province from Dec. 17, 2020, to Feb. 10, 2021. There were 434 offences found — mostly COVID-19 related — with 27 of those resulting in tickets.

One of the most recent instances was Specklebelly’s Brew Pub receiving a $14,000 ticket.

Tickets can also be issued by local police forces along with SHA inspectors.

The SHA said many businesses in Regina and Saskatoon have been compliant with the rules.

The SHA has received over 1,300 notifications and complaints across the province regarding Public Health Order non-compliance since Dec. 17. In some of those cases, the complaints were made against an individual and not a business.

When businesses have broken the rules, the three most common infractions are improper spacing, improper marking/signage/directions and improper personal protective equipment use by staff.

The SHA said its goal is compliance through education rather than enforcement.

The same day, Regina police gave an update on how many COVID tickets have been issued.

In all of 2020, police wrote eight tickets. They have now given 24 in total.

Of these, 17 were for gatherings, six were for not self-isolating and one was for refusing to wear a mask indoors.