The last two weekly media releases from Powell River RCMP have included infractions for noncompliance with provincial health orders involving gatherings and refusals to wear masks at businesses.
Fines have been handed out to homeowners hosting visitors from outside their households, including one such event that was described as rowdy. No need to hide it, might as well flaunt it.
Entering a public space without a face covering led to multiple violations. Some tickets were for abusive or belligerent behaviour per the COVID-19 Related Measures Act.
Who doesn’t get what’s going on?
Print publications, online news and television newscasts are full of information regarding COVID-19 safety protocols, so there is no excuse for not knowing what is and isn’t allowed. These incidents are all about defiance and selfishness.
No matter the data, no matter the hospitalizations, no matter the number of deaths, some people will not accept the new reality coronavirus has thrust upon the population.
Great, we have vaccines. Awesome, people are getting their first shots. Fantastic, the weather has improved so we can spend more time outdoors.
But COVID-19 is still out there, looking for victims, even if it has to take an indirect path through a non-complying individual en route to infecting someone who is doing all the right things.
We still have people who drink and drive. We still have people who steal bikes and break into cars. We still have people who deal illicit drugs or commit a number of other crimes.
RCMP members have a lot on their collective plates. Do they really need to spend valuable time talking down people who refuse to put others first, and handing out fines these abusive and belligerent individuals will likely not pay?
If we’re talking about you, wake up. Don’t be selfish.
