MONTREAL -- Quebec provincial police handed out almost 500 tickets in a week to people not abiding by measures put in place by provincial health authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Surete du Quebec announced Monday it has handed out a total of 651 tickets to people not complying with COVID-19 physical distancing measures since police began handing out infractions. That is an increase of 494 tickets from last Monday.
SQ spokesperson Stephane Tremblay could not give a break down of the types of offences or a regional portrait of the most ticketed areas, but said the SQ would release a total number every Monday.
“We just ask people to respect the measures,” said Tremblay.
A $546 fine is added to the $1,000 ticket for those who are guilty of not obeying the rules. Crown prosecutors can set the fine as high as $6,000.
The Montreal police department confirmed Tuesday that the SPVM has handed out 719 reports of non-compliance and 287 general offences since March 12.
An offence report is handed to a prosecutor, who decides whether to impose a fine or not.
Citizens are asked to call 1-877-644-4545 for all COVID-19-related questions.
