More than 240 big-box stores were paid a visit last weekend in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area as labour ministry inspectors and local bylaw officers checked if they were following public health measures.

There were 76 violations; the most of which were dealt with by issuing orders to improve, however, 25 tickets were issued for not enforcing physical distancing and masking rules.

Meanwhile, the province is ramping up of inspections of other workplaces over the coming weeks, including retail businesses, restaurants providing take-out, essential service sector establishments; such as gas stations, and farming operations.

The first blitz will start today in Hastings and Prince Edward Countries, followed by more campaigns in Toronto, Durham, Halton, Hamilton, Niagara, Kitchener and Waterloo, Peterborough, Leeds, Grenville, Lanark, Windsor and Huron Perth.

Labour Minister Monte McNaughton says ”we’re going to continue ramping up inspections in every type of workplace, including big box stores in every community across the province.”