Mayor calls for closure of COVID scofflaws

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This article was published 28/09/2021 (1087 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman is calling on the province to shutter businesses that consistently defy Manitoba’s COVID-19 mandates.

“Businesses that repeatedly (and) intentionally violate provincial public health orders should be closed,” he posted on Twitter Tuesday, adding he wrote to Audrey Gordon, Manitoba’s health minister, about the matter.

“Not partial closures,” he told reporters Wednesday. “Close them and shut them down.”

He said residents have expressed concern and outrage at organizations that frequently disobey pandemic laws, like checking proof of vaccination and enforcing indoor mask use.

Closing unco-operative businesses would respect the law-abiding ones, Bowman said.

“I’m just encouraging (the province) to take that action when necessary.”

Bowman’s call comes as Manitoba enters its fourth wave, which both he and Premier Kelvin Goertzen have a shared concern about, he said.

Some companies have been temporarily closed for their disobedience. Provincial health officers shut down Monstrosity Burger and Tuxedo Village Family Restaurant, located in the same Corydon Avenue strip mall, to indoor dining earlier this month after repeated offences.

The owners received eight $5,000 tickets between Sept. 6 and 19. They attracted customers from around the province who supported their anti-mandate behaviour.

MORFIT Training Centre reopened its downtown location Sept. 21. Patrons don’t need to disclose proof of vaccination, it said on social media.

“We have always welcomed everyone and done our best to make people feel respected and comfortable,” Stuart Klassen, the gym’s owner, said in an online memo to members.

“We anticipate this decision will be supported by some and meet disapproval by others.”

The province didn’t say it would permanently close businesses that flout COVID-19 restrictions.

“We can confirm that the Manitoba government has endeavoured to be as responsive as possible to this evolving situation, and continues to adjust its strategies and tactics as needed,” a spokesperson for Manitoba Justice said in a statement.

Over 3,000 enforcement officials regularly inspect businesses and educate them on public health orders, the spokesperson said, adding all credible tips about non-compliance are followed up.

Manitoba had issued 16 COVID-19 enforcement tickets to businesses between Sept. 20 and 26.

— with files from Joyanne Pursaga

 

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com