Two individuals were recently fined for not complying with public health orders as the result of a traffic stop conducted by Thompson RCMP.
On January 25, 2021, at approximately 9:30pm, Thompson RCMP conducted a traffic stop in a parking lot on Cree Road in Thompson. Officers noted that there were three occupants in the vehicle.
Police say that checks were made on the 36-year-old male driver which determined he did not have a valid driver’s licence, therefore he was issued a ticket. The driver then called the registered owner, a 36-year-old female, who attended the scene to drive the vehicle home. Once she arrived, she provided the officer with her valid driver’s licence. After the officer returned the licence, the female suggested that he use hand sanitizer, as she was COVID-19 positive. The officer asked why she was not self-isolating, and her response was that she did not want her vehicle to be towed.
The officer then contacted health officials and they confirmed that the female, as well as the male, were both COVID-19 positive and should have been self-isolating. The officer informed public health that there were two other occupants in the vehicle who were in contact with both the male and female.
A short time later, the officer attended both residences and fines of $1296.00 were issued to the male and female for failing to comply with the public health orders.
“This is an example of what our officers on the front line are dealing with,” said Inspector Christopher Hastie, Officer in Charge of the Thompson RCMP Detachment. “During this pandemic, first responders have made a lot of sacrifices in their personal lives in terms of how they interact with their loved ones in order to serve the public. The blatant disregard of a public health order in this instance jeopardizes the police officer’s health, and the health of their family. Ultimately, these actions put lives at risk and are completely avoidable. People need to abide by public health orders as this is about protecting the health and safety of all Manitobans.”
RCMP report that the officer involved was wearing personal protective equipment during the interaction and remains on active duty, however he continues to self-assess for any Covid-19 symptoms.
