A Canadian pastor remained behind bars Friday after holding church services in violation of COVID-19 public health orders.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police said pastor James Coates of the GraceLife Church in Edmonton, Alberta, was arrested after police and public health officials visited the church on Sunday and observed violations of the Public Health Act, which says the church cannot be at more than 15% capacity and congregants must physically distance and wear masks.
Mr. Coates had previously been charged on Feb. 8 with violating the order and was served an undertaking with conditions to comply, the CBC reported. He turned himself over to the police on Tuesday and is charged with two counts of contravening the Public Health Act and on one criminal charge for failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking.
A Canadian pastor remained behind bars Friday after holding church services in violation of COVID-19 public health orders.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police said pastor James Coates of the GraceLife Church in Edmonton, Alberta, was arrested after police and public health officials visited the church on Sunday and observed violations of the Public Health Act, which says the church cannot be at more than 15% capacity and congregants must physically distance and wear masks.
Mr. Coates had previously been charged on Feb. 8 with violating the order and was served an undertaking with conditions to comply, the CBC reported. He turned himself over to the police on Tuesday and is charged with two counts of contravening the Public Health Act and on one criminal charge for failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking.
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