Dr. Robert Kyle, Durham Region Medical Officer of Health, yesterday issued instructions to ensure the mandatory use of non-medical masks or face coverings within most public and enclosed indoor spaces, effective Friday July 10.
Regional officials did not specify the penalty in case of violation.
This means that non-medical masks or face coverings are mandatory for all community members, with the exception of those:
- Who have health, respiratory and sensory issues
- Various disabilities
- Are unable to remove the mask without assistance
- Children under the age of two
- Or other valid reasons
“You do not need to wear a non-medical mask or face covering at home with your immediate family members; while eating on a restaurant patio; or in the workplace where other standards apply, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham.
This guidance from the Region’s Medical Officer of Health provides clear direction to businesses and individuals, with respect to their obligations under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. At this point, non-medical masks or face coverings will be required, while the provincial emergency orders remain in force,
As a result of this instruction, face coverings will be mandatory in commercial establishments, which includes, but is not limited to, retail and convenience stores; malls; enclosed farmers’ markets; libraries and community centres; and business offices open to the public, he said in a statement.
This instruction also requires business owners to implement a policy for the use of non-medical masks or face coverings; and to use discretion, under that policy, to refuse entry when people are not wearing a face covering, he said.
There is growing public health evidence that widespread use of non-medical masks or face coverings—when used with other public health recommendations—is effective in the fight against Covid-19. This includes physical distancing in public spaces, frequently washing your hands, and staying home when you are sick, he said.
“We intend to enforce this policy in ‘good faith’; using it as an opportunity to educate people on the use of face coverings, combined with other recommended public health practices, to help keep our community—and each other—safe.
“Let’s work together to continue fighting this virus. Take care and stay safe,” Henry added.
To learn more about non-medical masks and face coverings, including how to make one at home, visit durham.ca/novelcoronavirus. Business owners looking to source Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are invited to visit the Local PPE Directory link at InvestDurham.ca/CovidResponse.
Today, Regional Chair @JohnHenryDurham announced the mandatory use of non-medical masks and face coverings in #DurhamRegion, within most public and enclosed indoor spaces, effective July 10. Learn more: https://t.co/Pig4CfNiKT. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/rtSdIdC18a
— Region of Durham (@RegionofDurham) July 6, 2020
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There is no way I will be forced to wear a mask…. especially with this heat wave…. are you people out of your mind…. have you all gone crazy….. It is my choice and I am refusing…… you can not force it on us all…
I think this is great that masks are made mandatory, hope this stays in effect for a long time. Until this virus is under control this is what we need to do.Lets stick together….we can beat this.
none of these masks keep covid under “control”. N95 masks are for volatile environments but mask expels wearers droplets and bacteria. Medical masks are designed for sterile environments, i.e., an O.R., and are only useful for 1/2 hour at a time, but will let in exterior germs thru the mask. Homemade/fabric masks let germs in and out etc. even larger, it is like having a mosquito go thru a chain link fence and nurses indicate they are useless. Researchers the world over indicate masks are harmful. They reduce oxygen levels, they lower your immune system and therefore you will become sick because now you have jeopardized your system. Even Dr. Fauchi indicates masks don’t work and are only symbolic. So I am wondering what is the point to wear a mask? If you want to wear a mask because it makes you feel safer, certainly wear one! But don’t make others wear one if they don’t want to because the science doesn’t back it up.
they do NOT reduce oxygen levels…do your research…do you ever hear of dr’s or nurses getting sick because of their masks lmap plz i wore of for 8 hours a day for 10 years in my job my lungs and oxygen levels are just fine …and no one said wearing the masks would prevent you from getting covid they are to slow down the spread to lesson the burden on our hospitals and medical professionals and dr Fauchi actually reccomends wearing them for this exact reason and there are studies that do show their effectiveness….but nice try lol