N.S. Quintuples Covid-19 Fines, Adds Jail Time
HALIFAX–The fine for breaking Covid-19 rules in Nova Scotia just got a lot bigger.
New rules have expanded fines for breaking public health restrictions to people and organizations hosting events that ignore public health orders.
Individual fines start at the highest maximum penalty, $2,422, for a first offence and increase to $11,622 for anyone who organizes or attends an illegal gathering.
Organizations will be fined the highest maximum penalty, $11,622, for a first offence and $57,622 for each additional offence.
People can now face jail time for breaking public health restrictions, as well.
The new fines come after health officials linked a spike in Covid-19 cases, as well as three deaths, to a
faith-based gathering held late last month.
The Gospel Light Baptist Church in Amherst hosted the gathering, which involved various faith groups from across the province. Attendees were not asked to provide proof of vaccination.
Many who attended were not vaccinated and there has since been secondary transmission of Covid-19 in Northern and Western health zones.
A long-term care home had 31 residents and 10 staff test positive for Covid-19. Two died. Another death in Northern Zone has also been linked to the gathering.
Robert Smith, the church’s pastor, was fined $2,422 for holding the gathering.
In a recent sermon, Smith said he was not ashamed, as it was a great week of meetings. He has also called the situation “unfortunate” but part of “God’s plan.”
Speaking about the situation this week, Premier Tim Houston did not mince words.
“I am upset and concerned by this situation, which was preventable and shows a complete disregard for public health measures meant to keep us all safe,” he said. “Because of the actions of a reckless few, we now have a spike in cases related to an illegal gathering.”In a news release announcing the province’s new Covid-19 fines, Houston said he hopes the new measures will save lives.
“I don’t want any more loved ones being lost due to this type of reckless behaviour,” he said. “The fines that were in place were not enough to discourage it.”
The new fines are effective immediately.
With files from Skye Bryden-Blom.
Jack Morse is a reporter with CKHZ 103.5 in Halifax, a Huddle content partner.