There’s no doubt that recent public health orders have created some tension across British Columbia and that’s been evident in Salmon Arm, the RCMP says.
Over the weekend, there were a pair of large gatherings in the city to protest the current measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
According to the RCMP, officers set out to monitor and educate members of the public at these events.
However, as many failed to distance themselves from others or wear masks, it became obvious that people in the crowd were unaware about the current regulations that are in place.
“There were a number of respectful and informative interactions with some of the 75 people in attendance at the park,” said an RCMP release.
“After speaking with the police at the scene some left the area and there were no tickets served to the persons who attended the event.”
Officers were then approached by an apparent organizer of the protest, who arrived with a public address system.
After a discussion to inform him of his legal jeopardy as an organizer, he was “less than engaging, but still respectful” towards the RCMP.
He was served a $2,300 fine under the COVID Measures Act, which was the only ticket handed out at either of the weekend’s protests.
In addition to these protests, the RCMP says that a lot of Salmon Arm retailers “have been the subject of ridicule and abuse as they ensure that masks are worn by patrons entering their store.”
S/Sgt. Scott West said that wearing masks in businesses and other public indoor places is mandated by the province and retailers are simply following the rules.
“Businesses have the responsibility due to the recent public health order to ask their patrons to wear face coverings or non‐medical masks while on premises and to refuse service for non‐compliance,” explained West.
“Individuals have the right not to attend the business if they decide not to wear a protective mask to help prevent the spread COVID‐19.”
West asks people to respect provincial health orders and respect local retailers while doing so as they try to remain open during these difficult times.
