A Chatham man is much lighter in the wallet for not quarantining upon return from Florida.
Chatham-Kent police said the 41-year-old man, whose name has not been released, returned to Canada on July 10 through Pearson International Airport and failed to comply with the mandatory 14-day self-isolation under the federal Quarantine Act.
"During this time, the man failed to self-isolate and potentially exposed not only his family and friends, but several members of our community," said Constable Renee Cowell, Public Information Officer with Chatham-Kent Police. "The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is investigating."
CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said the man charged has been tested but his test results are not back yet. Colby added if he is positive for the coronavirus then public health officials will conduct "routine case and contact management" to trace and isolate all involved.
The man has to pay an $1,130 fine and has been charged with failing to comply with an order, contrary to section 58 of the federal Quarantine Act.
“It is certainly unfortunate and disheartening that anyone would place themselves and more importantly others at risk by not following the simple direction provided to them in respect to self-quarantine," said Chief Gary Conn. "In order for us to mitigate this pandemic, a collaborative approach is going to be required by all of us and I would please request that everyone does their part to ensure this occurs.”
This is the first fine issued in Chatham-Kent for failing to quarantine.
CK Public Health reported seven new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday afternoon and two recovered cases for a total of 50 active cases. That's an increase of five active cases from Monday afternoon.
