The spouses, who specially flew to the Canadian territory of Yukon from the province of British Columbia to receive a coronavirus vaccine out of turn, were put on trial. This was reported by the Global News TV channel.
Rod Baker and his wife Catherine Baker decided to get the Moderna vaccine earlier than they should have in Vancouver. A married couple pretended to be life-support workers to get the vaccine as a priority. However, they did not comply with the two-week quarantine requirement for those entering the territory.
“I am afraid of the idea that someone is willing to endanger the lives of their fellow citizens,” – said Yukon Minister of Public Services John Stryker.
According to the channel, residents of remote Yukon settlements have the right to receive the vaccine as a priority, as they are considered more vulnerable to coronavirus due to the remoteness from hospitals and the lack of the necessary amount of resources to fight the infection.
Violators have already received a fine and will appear in court on May 4. They could face six months’ imprisonment.
In December, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliot announced that vaccination against coronavirus in Canada will be voluntary, but those who refuse the drug may face a number of restrictions. The head of the department said that vaccination will protect not only the inhabitants of the country, but also its economy, educational system, as well as the healthcare system.