FORT FRANCES, Ont. - Two Fort Frances men are facing charges under the Quarantine Act for failing to self-isolate after returning from the United States earlier this month.
According to an Ontario Provincial Police media release, two Fort Frances men with dual Canadian/American citizenship returned from the United States on June 1.
As of March 25, the federal government ordered anyone returning from an outside country to self-isolate for 14 days to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The two men in Fort Frances men were observed by officers at the Front Street boat launch getting into a boat within the 14 day self-isolation period.
As a result of an investigation involving the OPP, Canada Border Services, and the Public Health Office of Canada, a 62-year-old and a 19-year-old have been charged with Section 58 of the federal Quarantine Act for failing to comply with an order prohibition or subjecting to any condition upon entry into Canada.
The charge carries a fine of $1,000 plus a $135 victim surcharge fee.
The OPP is reminding the public to take the Quarantine Act seriously as it is meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 and failing to follow regulations puts others at risk.
"When individuals enter Canada from another country, they are ordered to quarantine for 14 days. A plan outlining the quarantine is first established with Canada Border Services. The OPP will support this process by conducting compliance checks,” said Sgt. Ann McEwen with the OPP.
“Individuals are reminded that while under quarantine order, there is no exception to leave the quarantine until the 14 days are complete. Any goods and services must be delivered to the location of quarantine during the 14 days if required."
