Robert Smith, pastor of the Gospel Light Baptist Church in Amherst, has been fined, for the maximum $2,422, for a gathering which caused a huge spike in COVID-19 cases in our province.The gathering took place from Oct. 25 to 29 in Amherst. The province issued the ticket Nov. 17.Provincial officials said the police are responsible for investigating any possible criminal charges.
Premier Tim Houston didn’t mince words“I am upset and concerned by this situation which was preventable and shows a complete disregard for public health measures meant to keep us all safe,” he said. “Because of the actions of a reckless few, we now have a spike in cases related to an illegal gathering.”Many who attended were not vaccinated, there has been secondary transmission of COVID-19 in Northern and Western health zones.
A long-term care home had 31 residents and 10 staff test positive for COVID-19. Two died. Another death in Northern Zone has also been linked to the gathering.
