Manitoba hands out fines to businesses breaking COVID-19 protocols

A number of retailers in Manitoba were issued fines this week for violating coronavirus-related protocols issued by the government, Global News reports.

A Costco in Winnipeg was fined $5,000 for selling non-essential products. Under Manitoba law, shopping can only be done to purchase essential products during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

A number of other locations in Manitoba have been fined $5,000 for failing to follow government regulations regarding coronavirus. A shop called Henry’s Camera was fined for opening a non-essential business, a donut shop called Robin's Donuts was fined for failing to enforce social distancing, and a restaurant called Hyatt House was fined for opening.

"The Manitoba government continues to take actions to protect Manitobans during the COVID-19 pandemic and advises that personnel empowered to enforce public health orders will be out in full force on Black Friday," the Manitoba government said in a press release.

The government of Manitoba has also been handing out fines of $1,296 to individuals who break lockdown rules. Four hunters from Ontario each received such a fine for failing to quarantine when arriving in Manitoba, two were fined for hosting a gathering with five or more people, and one was fined for refusing to wear a mask.

The Manitoba government has set up a tip line for individuals to snitch on their neighbours if they see them breaking coronavirus rules, such as hosting multiple friends over.