Businesses across the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit will need patrons to wear a mask.
In a press conference on Monday, the health units of Eastern Ontario announced that they will mandate masks to be worn inside any enclosed spaces that are accessible to the public. The instruction will come into effect Tuesday, July 7th and will be reviewed on September 30th. The LGLDHU issued the directive primarily to educate people on the use of masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Unit, said that while June and July have been quiet, outbreaks in Kingston have shown how quickly things can change. Dr. Stewart has said that there was a growing need from the business community for guidance on masks from the health units of Eastern Ontario. The unit says that the evidence has shown that wearing a mask is one way people can halt the spread of COVID-19, which includes staying home when ill, frequent hand washing, and practicing physical distancing. Dr. Stewart called this a social responsibility.
During the press conference, the Health Units from Leeds/Grenville/Lanark, Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and Renfrew County outlined details on the guidelines surrounding masks. Frequently asked was if the rule was mandatory for everyone, to which the Units’ Officers of Health said no. They said that anyone under the age of 2, with trouble breathing, and anyone unable to remove a mask without help are some of those who will be exempt. The public health officers have stated that at this time they will not require proof of these conditions. They say the onus to enforce these measures will be on the businesses, and rely on the good will of the general public. They say that the enforcing power for the units falls under the Provincial Emergency Act that grants the health units power to enforce mandates. While fines will not yet be enforced, the officers of health said that fines would be levied by OPP and by-law officers if the public ignores the directive.
For those unable to afford masks, Dr. Stewart said that the Unit would work with partners, like the United Way, to make sure that those who couldn’t afford one could get one. While they say that face shields do not count as masks, they are better than nothing, and should cover the face down to below the chin. They also say that wearing a mask does not replace staying at home, and they urge the public to make sure they do so if they’re sick. On support for the measures, Public Health Officers from the four units said they have received support from the majority of people for mandatory wearing of masks in public.
Written by Trevor Smith-Millar