Disobeying the COVID-19 emergency law could cost you $100,000 and one year in jail

Stay home or pay up.

Scofflaws who ignore the Ontario government's order to stay out of recreational facilities, such as playgrounds, basketball courts, and dog parks, risk fines ranging from $750 up to $100,000 and one year in jail.

Anyone charged will have to identify themselves if asked by a police officer, special constable, First Nations constable or a municipal bylaw enforcement officer. Failure to do so could result in a fine.

That's according to the strict legislation used by Premier Doug Ford in a bid to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, invoked during the pandemic, the penalties for disobeying an emergency order can be severe.

"In the case of an individual " a fine of not more than $100,000 and for a term of imprisonment of not more than one year," the law states.

"In the case of an individual who is a director or officer of a corporation " a fine of not more than $500,000 and for a term of imprisonment of not more than one year; and in the case of a corporation " a fine of not more than $10 million."

While the latter two penalties would not apply to most Ontarians - those provisions are aimed at non-essential businesses who open during an emergency or crisis profiteers - the government is serious about curbing the coronavirus by any means necessary.

Failing to comply with an order made during the emergency can mean a minimum fine of $750. Several Toronto residents have already been fined for using playground equipment.

Obstructing any person performing a duty - such as a bylaw enforcement officer - or "exercising a power in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency" could lead to a $1,000 fine.

Ford, who has extended the declaration of emergency for another two weeks, said Tuesday that he is very serious about clamping down on social interactions that help spread the virus.

"This includes extending closures of non-essential workplaces, restricting public gatherings of more than five people," the premier told reporters at a Queen's Park teleconference.

"The situation continues to change day by day, hour by hour," he said.

"Every week, every day, every hour we can push back the surge on our hospitals is another week, day, hour of precious time to prepare. The more time we have the more lives we can save."

Ford pointed out that he has "closed all outdoor recreational amenities, including beaches, sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas."

"Everyone needs to stay home. This is absolutely critical. We can't stop COVID-19 without your full support. Please, stay at home. Only go out for what you need. Don't gather in groups. Practice physical distancing. Stay in touch with loved ones by phone and wash your hands."

The premier - who has warned a mandatory "stay home" order is looming if public-health officials recommend that - expressed sympathy with parents and children cooped up at home.

"I know these extended closures will make things difficult for families. We're doing everything we can to support parents during this difficult time," he said, noting there are $200 per child payouts for each kid under 12 in a household and $250 for families with special needs children.

Amid the sobering talk, Ford reassured the province's 68,000 provincial public servants that there are no plans for unpaid furloughs.

"That's an item that we're talking about at cabinet, but I want to try to pay as many people as possible. It's not their fault. COVID-19 is putting a lot of people in really tough positions," the premier said.

"I support our front line folks that are working hard when they're here. I got to protect those people. I've got to protect anyone who's not working. They have mortgages to pay, their rent to pay, they have to put food on the table," he said.

"And I'm not comfortable with laying provincial front line people off. I just can't do it to families, I just can't."

Also Tuesday, Ford blasted private business owners who have not been letting truckers use washroom facilities as they perform the vital work of keeping supply chains moving.

"Have a heart. Open up the washrooms for these truckers. It's not right, it's not fair. This is absolutely essential," he said.

"We're all in this together."

Robert Benzie is the Star's Queen's Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie