Provincial Police are now responsible for checkpoints at the Ontario/Manitoba boundary and other interprovincial points of entry.
The new travel restrictions are officially in place and OPP stress essential travel will be allowed despite the measures designed to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Police say all vehicles will be required to slow down as they approach the checkpoints.
Commercial vehicles, such as transport trucks, will be permitted to pass and passenger vehicles with Ontario plates will be required to enter the checkpoint, but will be allowed to proceed.
Officers will be screening incoming passenger vehicles with out-of-province plates to determine the reason for entering the province.
Permitted reasons include, but are not limited to:
-Live/work in Ontario
-Health care matters
-Indigenous Treaty Rights
-Child care or custody matters
-Transportation of goods
-Those travelling through Ontario to another location
As required by the provincial Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act, those not travelling for essential reasons will be refused entry.
OPP say motorists approaching the interprovincial boundaries, in either direction, are asked to be prepared for slow moving traffic and stress the safety of the public and officers at the checkpoints is the top priority.
At the same time Premier Doug Ford is calling for stronger travel measures.
Ford is asking the prime minister to tighten up our borders coming from all around the world.
He’s also asking for restrictions on air travel inter-provincially.
Meantime, OPP say they will follow the change in emergency orders.
Police won’t arbitrarily stop a vehicle or person, or enter a residence to see if people inside are following the rules.
They may ask for information if an individual is participating in an illegal gathering
OPP say officers will instead focus their attention on businesses and restaurants who aren’t complying and unlawful public gatherings.
They will also respond to complaints from the public.
You can face a $750 fine for violating any of the current restrictions.
For more information on the screening, visit Ontario Travel Screening
OPP say if you notice non-compliance of COVID-19 restrictions contact your local municipal by-law office, call the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122, or contact your local detachment.
(With Files From Randy Thoms: Fort Frances)
