On Thursday, July 9, Halton Hills Town Council held a Special Council Meeting and passed a temporary by-law to require the wearing of masks or face coverings. This means wearing a “medical or non-medical mask or other face covering including a bandana, scarf or other fabric that covers the nose, mouth, and chin to create a barrier to limit the transmission of respiratory droplets.” when in enclosed public places. This by-law takes effect Thursday, July 16.
The by-law applies anywhere employees may have contact with the public including, but not limited to, stores, restaurants, transportation, funeral homes, fitness centers, malls, laundromats, offices, open houses, personal care, hotels, museums, places of worship and municipal buildings.
It does not apply to federal or provincial government offices, child-care facilities, elementary or secondary schools, hospitals or independent health care facilities.
It also does not apply to children under five, persons with underlying medical conditions, persons engaged in sport or strenuous activities, or persons working in areas without public access.
For businesses this means that clearly visible signage must be posted on entrances stating:
“ALL PERSONS ENTERING OR REMAINING IN THESE PREMISES SHALL WEAR A MASK OR FACE COVERING, WHICH COVERS THE NOSE, MOUTH, AND CHIN AS REQUIRED UNDER THE TOWN OF HALTON HILLS BY-LAW 2020-0037”
Businesses are responsible to ensure that their staff have a physical barrier or face covering anywhere that they may be in contact with the general public and that members of the public not wearing the required face protection be denied entry. Municipal By-law Officers may assist with “compliance education” from time to time.
Persons over the age of 12 in contravention of the by-law can be fined up to $500.
The full by-law can be downloaded from www.haltonhills.ca.
Both medical and non-medical grade masks are available at many local retailers.
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