Mandatory face-mask order to coincide with provincial Stage 3 re-opening

Details are being finalized for an order, by Grey Bruce medical officer of health Dr. Ian Arra, with respect to wearing face coverings in certain indoor public spaces.

The order will be implemented in conjunction with the provincial Stage 3 re-opening, states a press release, issued Friday by the health unit. Optimally, this will be three days following the provincial announcement, providing sufficient time for affected parties to be adequately prepared.

Enforcement, in general, will be based on the good faith of individuals to participate as rigorous enforcement will not be desired, states Arra.

The order will enable establishments to require face-covering use by employees and customers and the means to remind customers that they should be wearing a face covering as a result of the order. For greater clarity, there is not a need to turn away the customer to achieve the best effort standard.

The order will apply only to areas that are normally accessible to the public and will not include areas not generally accessible to the public, such as the administrative area within the establishment.

Exemptions will allow for children under the age of two; or under the age of five either chronologically or developmentally unable to tolerate a face covering, or refuses to wear a face covering; for people who cannot tolerate a face covering for any medical condition; or any reason required under the Human Rights Code. There is no need to provide a medical note.

The release states that establishments in Grey and Bruce counties may be able to obtain masks for no cost based on donations, to make available to people who cannot purchase their own masks.

For example, Bruce Power has donated 120,000 one-time masks to local organizations, including chambers of commerce and food banks, ensuring people have access in support of the re-opening. In addition, over July and August, the company is distributing 30,000 re-usable masks through all employees, pensioners and a range of community organizations, to support the need for masks in the community.

Bruce Power is also launching a program called ‘Strength in Numbers’ where it will offer its bulk-buying power so smaller organizations have access to this lower pricing. Organizations looking for information on this program, can E-mail info@brucepower.com.

“Asking people to wear a face covering is another tool we can use to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus),” says Arra. “We are seeing increased complacency in the community with earlier recommendations of physical-distancing. That and the Stage 3 re-opening plan will, by definition, include activities with highest contact intensity and that would require significant modifications to maintain public health safety. Mask use will reduce the risk for the most vulnerable of us.”

Once implemented, the order will remain in place for four weeks, and can be renewed. This will provide time to develop more permanent solutions, such as municipal bylaws or provincial regulations.

The order will be consistent with other health unit jurisdictions that have implemented or are soon to implement face-covering requirements.

For more information and answers, click on Frequently Asked Questions for wearing masks and face coverings.