More details are being shared by the Grey Bruce Health Unit about the coming Medical Officer of Health order to mandate use of a mask or face covering at indoor public spaces.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit advises the MOH order will be implemented in conjunction with the province's Stage 3 re-opening, “optimally” three days after the provincial announcement to allow time for people and businesses to be prepared.
The provincial government hasn't confirmed any details about the next stage of re-opening, but Premier Doug Ford said Friday it's “very, very close.”
The order to be issued by Grey Bruce Medial Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra will enable businesses to require face covering use by employees and customers, and “the means to remind the customer that they should be wearing a face covering as a result of the order.”
“For greater clarity, there is not a need for to turn away the customer to achieve the best effort standard,” the Grey Bruce Health Unit advises.
When it comes to enforcement, the Health Unit says rigorous enforcement will not be desired and it will be based mainly on “good faith” of individuals to participate.
“Asking people to wear a face covering is another tool we can use to prevent spread of COVID-19,” says Arra, in a statement. “We are seeing increasing 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.”
The MOH mask or face covering mandate would only apply to areas that are normally accessible to the general public.
“Considerations will allow exemptions for children under the age of two years; or under the age of 5 years either chronologically or developmentally unable to tolerate face covering, or refuses to wear a face covering; for people who cannot tolerate face covering for any medical condition; or any reason required under the Human Rights Code,” a health unit release explains. “There is no need to provide a medical note.”
The MOH order will remain in place for four weeks, and can be renewed. The Health Unit explains “it is intended to allow time permanent solutions such as municipal by-laws or provincial regulations.”