As the province deals with a gradual increase in COVID-19 cases, the government is more than doubling fines for people who flout public health orders around attending gatherings.

That particular fine has been increased to $575, up from the previous $230.

“Over the last several months, it’s become clear that for some, the risk of a $230 violation ticket isn’t enough to deter attendance at events that violate the PHO order,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“I am disappointed that a small minority of British Columbians continue to put their health and the health of others at risk by attending unsafe gatherings. This selfish behaviour needs to stop, and police and provincial enforcement authorities will be able to issue these new fines immediately.”

The fine for people who organize or host a prohibited event remains at $2,300. Further, a $230 fine will continue to apply for a range of COVID-19 violations including failing to wear a mask where required and failing to follow the directions of an enforcement officer, including when to leave an event or gathering.

The government says the reasoning behind the higher $575 fine for prohibited gatherings is because that kind of behaviour is ‘generally more risky’ than other offences that carry a $230 fine but less egregious than the offences that come with a $2,300 fine.

More information on types of provincial tickets and fine amounts is available here.