Police have identified nearly 50 people accused of breaking the province's COVID-19 lockdown rules by gathering inside of an Aylmer church during a service on Sunday.
Aylmer police announced Wednesday 29 local residents have been ticketed and an additional 18 summons are being issued for those who live outside of Elgin County and against the organizers and hosts of the service.
Provincial lockdown measures that were put in place on December 26 limit indoor religious services to just ten people, where physical distancing can be maintained. Drive-in services are allowed but are subject to certain conditions.
Church of God pastor Henry Hildebrandt posted a nearly hour long video to his YouTube channel of what began as a drive-in service on Sunday but ended with maskless parishioners inside the John Street church.
The service took a turn after Hildebrandt told his congregation "if you can’t stay in your vehicle this morning. If you just can’t do it, Biblically I cannot forbid you. So do whatever want." That prompted many of those in attendance to get out of their vehicles, ignoring physical distancing rules. Hildebrandt then waded into the crowd and can be seen in the video hugging several people.
Before ending his sermon, Hildebrandt can be heard in the video inviting the parishioners inside the church for a "little tour."
Dozens of people, none wearing face coverings, excitedly file into the church. Once inside, Hildebrandt continues to preach before leading those in attendance in a pray and then the singing of Joy to the World. The group was inside of the church for approximately ten minutes before the video comes to an end.
"Community safety and well being and enforcement of laws is a top priority for Aylmer Police Service during this global pandemic," Police Chief Zvonko Horvat said in a statement. "We are asking citizens, businesses and faith based groups to be part of the solution and not a problem by abiding by the current restrictions to protect our community. Collectively we can enhance the safety of our community, citizens and family members."