Starting Friday, anyone entering a commercial establishment in Grey and Bruce Counties must wear a face covering.
Dr. Ian Arra, the medical officer of health for the Grey Bruce Health Unit issued the order today to take effect on July 17 at 12:01 a.m.
The order requires all commercial establishments in Grey and Bruce Counties to ensure effective measures are in place for physical distancing, to ensure the availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizer at all entrances and exits, and to use “best efforts” to restrict people from entering the premises without a face covering.
“Best efforts” are later defined in the order as a verbal reminder that everyone needs to wear a mask.
“Turning away or refusing a customer is not required under this order,” states a news release from the health unit.
There are exemptions to the face-covering requirement including people under the age of two or children under five years old (chronologically or developmentally) who refuse to wear a face mask. Someone who cannot remove their face mask without assistance, people with medical conditions who cannot safely wear a face covering, and Human Rights Code exemptions. Nobody will be required to provide proof of an exemption.
In a press release, the health unit specifically noted there is “no such thing as a COVID-19 Face Mask Medical Exemption Card.
There will also be some exemptions for public spaces. Churches, daycares, schools, libraries, community centres, private offices not open to the public, private and public transportation, hospitals, independent health facilities, and offices of regulated health professionals are exempt from the order and do not have to require face masks indoors.
Commercial establishments that do have to require customers and staff to wear facemasks include: retail and convenience stores, malls, restaurants, personal service settings, grocery stores, gas stations, farmers’ markets, mechanics (public areas) and car dealerships, indoor play zones, indoor arenas, casinos, fitness facilities, and common areas of hotels.
Customers at commercial establishments will not be required to cover their face while outdoors.
According to Arra’s order, a face covering is a medcal mask, non-medical mask, or other item that can be used to cover the mouth, nose, and chin.
“The order will help all of us in maintaining the safe and successful re-opening,” said Dr. Arra in a press release issued by the health unit. “This order could be used by businesses as a tool to assist in the challenging situation generated by some customers asking the proprietor to address the lack of use of masks by other customers.”
Dr. Arra issued his order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (section 22) and it is effective from Friday, July 17 for four weeks, unless it is rescinded or extended.
The order start date coincides with the start of the province's Stage 3 reopening plans. Grey Bruce Health Unit will enter Stage three on July 17, as will most of the health units in the province.
You can read Dr. Arra's full order here.
