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Alberta Health Services says it is “considering next steps” after a Calgary church continued to defy public health rules aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Tim Stephens, the senior pastor at Fairview Baptist Church, received a $1,200 fine under the Public Health Act for failing to follow the orders set out by the province’s chief medical officer of health.
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But Stephens argued it’s “essential” for his congregation to gather after an AHS inspector found just two of about 75 attendees at services were wearing masks and weren’t distanced at least two metres apart.
CALGARY A Baptist church that has openly flouted the Public Health Act could be facing further sanctions. Fairview Baptist Church was slapped with an executive order fined $1,200 following violations on January 4. Law enforcement returned on January 10 but were not allowed to enter the church. In a statement late Monday, an AHS spokesperson wrote in part: “AHS Environmental Public Health noted evidence that the facility was not in compliance with the work order issued Jan. 4. AHS is considering next steps.” Fairview Community Association President Regan Klyn says she hopes the church will reconsider its stance. When others are putting the community at risk it just pushes back the timeline for normal, she says.
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‘We are far from getting out of this’: COVID-19 restrictions extended through at least Jan. 21 Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw. Photo by Government of Alberta