Charges have been laid following a church service in Wheatley this past weekend.
Chatham-Kent Police were called to the Old Colony Mennonite Church Sunday morning where 87 vehicles were parked in the lot.
A short time later, a number of adults and kids left the building, none of whom were wearing masks. Authorities say one member of the church confirmed that 128 people attended mass, along with several children present in separate classrooms.
A 44-year-old Wheatley man has now been charged under the Reopening Ontario Act for violating the province’s stay-at-home orders. He’ll have to face the charges in court May 19th.
”It is unfortunate that some people still choose to not comply with the law considering these laws are put into place for everyone’s safety, including those who choose to break them,” Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn says. “This pandemic requires a concerted effort by all our citizens in order to abate and eventually eradicate. It is only through compliance, cooperation and collaboration that we will overcome this virus. I am once again urging citizens to please comply and assist us in helping you.”