PARRY SOUND, ON-The health units version of the mandatory mandated masks is now in effect for the region.
This mandate that was introduced by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit will require the public to wear masks in enclosed public spaces, like businesses, organizations, and services accessed by the public. On top of this, masks should also be worn in indoor or outdoor settings where physical distancing is challenging or not possible.
Be advised that specific individuals are exempt from this mandate. These include people whose breathing would be inhibited, people with medical conditions like a respiratory disease or cognitive difficulties, religious leaders, provided that they are physically distanced from everyone else, employees who are either physically distanced or working behind a physical barrier, and those who work is child care or school environments as they have their own regulations.
If you fit into one of these groups and a business or organization reminds you to wear a mask, you can just explain that under this mandate, you are exempt and do not have to provide details or any proof.
Note that this mandate does not businesses are not required to turn people away if they are not wearing a mask, but according to the health unit, the strength of the enforcement is entirely up to that specific business, and they could deny entry. The health unit, however, is encouraging the community to be COVID kind and understand that not everyone can wear a mask.
The enforcement of this mandate will see businesses only provide a reminder to people to wear a mask. If the situation worsens, however, and the health unit needs to take a more serious approach, fines could be laid as well as jail time.
For more details about this new mandate, visit the health unit’s site here.