Ten people charged after maskless gathering that broke COVID restriction rules

Four people were charged with hosting a gathering that contravened Ontario's COVID-19 restrictions and six were charged with attending the gathering on King Street.

Officers were sent to a home after receiving a noise complaint at about 3:30 a.m. Thursday in the Old East Village.

When they arrived at theapartment building onKing Street between Lyle and Hewitt streets, officers saw 10 people inside one unit.None appeared to be wearing masks.

A 21-year-old woman and three men, aged 25, 23, and 22, are charged with hosting an indoor gathering which exceeded the number permitted, contrary to theReopening Ontario Actand participating in an indoor gathering which exceeded the number permitted.

Two women, aged 23 and 25, and four men, aged 25, 24, and 23, are also charged with participating in the indoor gathering.

All are to appear in provincial court on March 15.

Themaximum number of people permitted to attend social gatherings is five indoors and 25 outdoors.

"These gathering limits are in place for the health and well-being of everyone, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action when our community is put at risk," London Police said in a statement.

Violations of COVID rules can be reported toCOVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca, which is monitored 24-7, or by calling519-661-4660. The phone line is monitored Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.