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 been in Vancouver. A married couple pretended to be life-support workers to receive the vaccine as a priority. However, they did not comply with the requirement of a two-week quarantine for those entering the territory.
“I am intimidated by 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 TV channel, residents of remote Yukon settlements have the right to receive the vaccine as a priority, since they are considered more vulnerable to coronavirus due to their remoteness from hospitals and the lack of the necessary amount of resources to fight the infection.
Violators have already received a fine and will face trial on May 4. They could face six months' imprisonment.
In December, Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliot announced that vaccinations 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, and the health care system.
