Dozens of tickets issued to businesses, people at private gathering in Mississauga

The city of Mississauga says that multiple tickets were handed out to businesses that were opened and people who attended private gatherings over the weekend, CP24 reports.

The city said in a news release that of the 37 COVID-19 related tickets they gave out over the weekend, four were for "non-essential" businesses that were opened, and the rest were for people who broke the health orders and attended private gatherings.

"Now that we are three weeks into the lockdown, businesses and residents should be well aware of the restrictions in place to protect the health and safety of our community," said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a written statement.

Peel region and Toronto have been a lockdown since November 23. The lockdown closed non-essential businesses and also ended indoor dining for the third time in Peel since the pandemic started.

Bix box stores like Walmart and Costco have been allowed to stay open, making Ontario the only jurisdiction in Canada where rules are different for small businesses. The lockdown will remain in effect until at least December 21.

People living in a lockdown zone are only allowed to gather those who live in the same household. Those who live alone may have close contact with one other household.

"I know as the holidays approach, it is tempting to gather with family and friends, but I want to remind you that these actions will be met with a fine or even worse, the spread of COVID-19 to your family and friends," adds Crombie.