CHILLIWACK RCMP have served violation tickets to representatives from three places of worship conducting in-person gatherings contrary to the current BC Public Health Order (PHO).

On the mornings of December 6 and 13, Chilliwack RCMP responded to reports of groups of people gathering at three separate churches contrary to the existing PHO.

As officers investigated the complaints, police worked closely with provincial, regional health officials, and the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) in the education and enforcement of current COVID-19 health regulations to attain the compliance of the congregations, police said.

On December 17, police charged representatives of the congregations with eight counts of failure to comply with an order of a health officer, including fines amounting to $18,400.