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Masks Now Mandatory In Simcoe County and Muskoka

Laura Hampshire
Jul 13, 2020 | 5:08 AM
Masks Now Mandatory In Simcoe County and Muskoka


As of today, when you enter into a public indoor space, or use a public transit service in Simcoe County and Muskoka, you will be required to wear a face covering.

That means a medical or non-medical mask or other face covering such as a bandana or scarf that covers the mouth and nose.

What type of business or organizations are included?
All businesses, organizations and public transit are included that have indoor public spaces that are openly accessible to members of the public and are used for the purposes of offering goods or services to members of the public and currently include, but are not limited to, the following:
Malls, shopping plazas and retail stores (e.g. convenience stores, grocery stores and bakeries)
Farmers’ markets (operating indoors)
Food premises
Personal service settings (e.g. salons, spas, tattoo parlors, etc.)
Churches or faith settings
Areas of mechanics’ shops and garages, and repair shops open to the public
Libraries
Community centres
Public (e.g. bus or train)and private (e.g. bus, taxi, or limo) transportation services
Organization, government and business offices (publicly accessible areas) including spaces where training is being provided to the public
Professional offices where clients receive purchased services (e.g. lawyer’s or accountant’s offices) that are not open to members of the public

What indoor public spaces are NOT included?
Schools, licensed child care centers and indoor/outdoor day camps
Indoor areas of a building accessible to only employees
Areas that are outside, whether or not the areas are covered (e.g. restaurant patios)

Do employees of the business, organization or public transit service need to wear a face covering?
Yes, employees need to wear a face covering when working in the public areas of the indoor public space unless the employee is within or behind a physical barrier (e.g. Plexiglas barrier) or is in an area of the premises that is not designated for public access.

Do I have to wear a face covering in common areas of multi-dwelling buildings (e.g condos)?
These spaces are part of a private building, so the public does not have access to these locations. If the condo board wished to put a requirement in place to have residents wear a mask when in a common area they can do this. Other considerations still apply when using common areas such as not having more than 10 people in the area at one time and maintaining physical distancing.

What if I can’t wear a face covering?
The following individuals do not have to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces:
Children under two years of age, or children under the age of five years either chronologically or developmentally who refuse to wear a mask and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver.
Individuals with medical conditions rendering them unable to safely wear a mask, including those with breathing difficulties or cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing or processing information.
Anyone who is unable to remove the mask without help.

Can I be fined if I don’t wear a mask?
SMDHU’s focus is on raising public awareness and educating people on the use of non-medical masks or face coverings in premises where physical distancing may be difficult. However, individuals, businesses or organizations who do not comply with the requirements may be fined as per the EMCPA. It is important to know that while we will commence with an educational and supportive approach, as per the EMCPA, those who do not comply with the above noted requirements may be fined. Individuals may be liable for a fine of $750 -$1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000, while corporations may be liable for a fine of up to $10,000,000 for each day or part of each day on which the offence occurs or continues.

For more details, please click here.

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