Police checkpoints stop all non-essential travel from Ontario to Quebec

Roadside blockades and checkpoints have been set up along the Ottawa-Gatineau border by Quebec police to stop all "non-essential" travel to and from provinces in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. All those who don't meet the criteria will be denied entry according to CTV News.

The provincial government of Quebec has deployed police to the Outaouais region for the purpose of “limiting non-essential movements” between Ontario and Quebec. Essential workers and healthcare professionals will no be affected by the border patrol.

Police will be assessing the essential nature of commuters on a case by case basis, such as travel for humanitarian reasons, medical appointments or to commute to work, for those where teleworking isn't an option.

“I think that every province is going to look at what its own needs are,” said Prime Minister Trudeau at Rideau Hall, reflecting on police checkpoints at the provincial borders.

“We will continue to work very, very closely with the provinces and all jurisdictions to ensure that the tools that everyone has at every different level are used as they need to be.” said Trudeau.

Mayor of Gatineau, Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, said fines for motorists who refuse to turn around at the border could be as much as $1,000 to $6,000.

“The goal is to send a message. People go through if they have a valid reason. We understand it wouldn’t be possible to close the border, nobody wishes that, but too many people are on the road for no valid reasons.” said Pedneaud-Jobin, urging that all those who can stay home to do so.

Random Gatineau Police checkpoints are being set up at the Alexandra Bridge, Portage Bridge, Chaudieres Bridge, Champlain Bridge, Masson-Angers ferry, the intersection of route 148 and Terry Fox Drive and the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge.