WINNIPEG – A nearly $300 fine for not wearing a mask in indoor public places is being implemented province-wide. Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin emphasized the specific fine of $298 is only for not wearing a mask indoors and in public, where citizens are mandated to do so, meaning homes and walks in the neighbourhood don’t apply. Anyone with enforcement powers for our health orders can issue the fine. Other fines related to public health orders will stay at $1,296 for individuals.

The penalty comes as the province tries to stem the pandemic tide that has given it the highest per-capita COVID-19 infection rate in Canada. It follows a $1,296 ticket being given to someone in the Winnipeg area on Tuesday for failing to wear a mask properly while in an indoor public space, based on the rule that’s been in place since last week Thursday, November 12. Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman called for such a province-wide mandate in September, after the city made masks a requirement in city facilities and transit busses.