As part of Ontario's state of emergency order, the government has prohibited organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people.
The measure was introduced on March 29 and in the days to follow, wide-spread confusion began circulating on social media over whether or not you could be fined for having more than five people in a vehicle.
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Questions were raised after a photo of a ticket someone claimed to receive began circulating online. According to the photo, someone said police reportedly pulled over a vehicle in Scarborough and determined the two people in the car were not related and issued a ticket for $880. They claimed it was for violating the rules of social distancing under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
However, Toronto police have since issued a statement to clarify the misinformation and said that travelling or being parked in a car, with five people or less – including individuals from different home addresses – is not against the law.
"Members of the public are reminded that government directives apply to “organized public events and social gatherings” of more than five people," said police.
Police also reminded the public of the ordered closures of the following locations:
Any questions about organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people or open businesses that should be closed can be addressed by calling 311.
According to the province, implementing the stronger action of prohibiting organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people was required to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians.
This order does not apply for households of more than five people.
