MANDATORY FACE MASKS

It will be a boring but informative weekend with respect to these posts. I will cover as much as I can about the WDGPH Class Order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act; or the order directing the mandatory use of face masks in certain establishments in the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health area.

1/ A face covering must be worn by any customer, patron, employee or visitor, who enters the following establishments:

retail stores
convenience stores
malls/plazas
restaurants (inside only at take-out counter or to use washroom)
personal service settings (such as salons or barber shops)
grocery stores and bakeries
gas stations (inside the gas station store/kiosk only)
farmer’s markets (indoor public areas only)
repair or mechanics’ shops/garages (indoor public areas only)

2/ A face mask is not necessary in the following public spaces:

churches or faith settings
day camps
child care centres
schools
libraries
community centres
offices that are not open to members of the public
professional offices where clients receive purchases services (e.g., lawyer or accountant’s office) that are not open to members of the public
private transportation (e.g., bus, taxi, or limo)
public transportation (e.g., bus or train)
hospitals
independent health facilities
offices of regulated health professionals
outdoor restaurant dining areas or drive-thru windows

But, personally, I would wear them in as many public places as possible and I ask my patients to wear one when they are in my office.

3/ A face covering is not required on a patio, but is required if you enter the establishment for use of the washroom, to pay, etc

4/ Face coverings do not have to be fancy or expensive but must cover the mouth, nose and chin and provide a barrier that limits the transmission of infectious respiratory droplets. Members of the public should use a cloth mask. Directions on how to make a cloth mask can be found here:

https://bit.ly/2Yw1VR8

If you are having trouble finding a suitable mask, message me.

5/ Establishments may choose to have disposable masks available for the public, but it’s not a requirement. Visitors of a commercial establishment must supply their own face covering.

6/ Face covering requirements will be enforced but it is the responsibility of the owner or operator to ensure people do not enter without a face covering. We have similar rules for other societal norms such as shirts, shoes and cigarettes.

This is the part of the order that is causing the most controversy, I know. Hopefully, we will receive some help and further advice with this one.

7/ The following people should not wear a face covering:

Children under the age of two years.
Children under the age of five years (either chronologically or developmentally) who refuse to wear a face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver.
People whose ability to breathe in any way is inhibited by the face covering.
People that have any other medical reason they cannot wear a face covering safely, such as, but not limited to, respiratory disease, cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing or processing information.

I will continue to post throughout the weekend with more details and my interpretation of them.

Anne-Marie

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