Brooks RCMP fine man $1,200 for breaking Alberta Health order

Mounties in Brooks issued a $1,200 fine on Wednesday after they say they discovered a young man in that city breaking an Alberta health order to self-quarantine.

The 19-year-old was found in Lake Stafford Park about one hour after the RCMP received complaints that a male was loitering near homes and vehicles. The man was known to police as having been ordered by health officials to quarantine within his residence and fined.

Officials with the Brooks detachment told the Medicine Hat News they believe the order was issued because a member of the man’s family has been confirmed to have COVID-19.

Citizens can fall under the health orders to self-quarantine for periods of time for several reasons, such as a positive diagnosis, close contact with someone who has tested positive, displaying certain symptoms or having recently travelled internationally.

“We educate first and if that doesn’t set in we do have enforcement measures,” said Cpl. Chris Searle, of the Brooks RCMP detachment.

“From what I’m seeing on a day to day basis, out on patrols, for the most part we’re seeing most residents be responsible.”

On Wednesday the man was escorted to his home by officers, which a press releases notes were equipped with personal protective gear. The man was charged under the Public Health Act and fined.

The City of Brooks is at the centre of a new spike in coronavirus cases in Alberta’s south zone. The latest official figures from the province, released Thursday, state there are 359 active cases in the city and two people have died.