Big box store inspections to expand after blitz in Hamilton, GTA found dozens of issues

The province’s new enforcement blitz found numerous violations of COVID-19 prevention protocols at big-box retailers.

Inspectors visited 240 stores in the GTA, Halton and Hamilton over the weekend.

According to the province, 75 visits found violations of COVID-19 safety rules, putting the compliance rate at about 69 per cent.

The most common violations were linked to screening of customers and staff, masking protocols and physical distancing problems.

Inspectors issued 26 formal warnings and 23 tickets were issued under the Reopening Ontario Act. There were also 53 ordered issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The blitz was one of a series of measures announced last week and meant to curb spread of COVID-19.

Big box store COVID-19 inspection blitz to begin this weekend in Hamilton

Labour Minister Monte McNaughton says the scope of the blitz will be broadened to include the rest of the province in the weeks ahead.