BARRHEAD - People visiting public spaces in the Town of Barrhead will not have to wear a face covering, at least not yet.
Although councillors passed the Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw (Bylaw 11-2020) during their Oct. 27 meeting, they did not enact it.
And it may be some time before they do, if ever.
However, councillors said they were pleased they had an additional tool to help combat the coronavirus if they deemed the need.
The bylaw, when enacted, would require people to wear a face covering in any public facility or space regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors if two-metre physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Schools, childcare facilities, hospitals or other healthcare facilities, as well as extended care and seniors' living facilities, are exempt from the bylaw as they are governed by their own provincial guidelines.
Other exemptions from mask-wearing include children under two years old, anyone unable to wear or remove it without assistance; those with underlying medical conditions or disabilities which prohibit a face-covering; those engaged in physical activities; anyone who is eating or drinking; people who have removed their mask to receive or provide a service; and Barrhead Regional Fire Service firefighters while on duty and are not in direct contact with the public.
Chief administrative officer Edward LeBlanc explained before enacting the bylaw two triggers would have to be met. The first being that the Barrhead region must be placed on "watch status". The Barrhead region and "watch status" is determined by Alberta Health Services as is shown on the provincial COVID-19 online status map.
Furthermore, the province would have to put the Barrhead region on an "enhanced" status after they had a conversation with the Barrhead municipalities and Alberta Health Services.
All that being said, LeBlanc noted that in the end, councillors would have the final say whether or not they enact the bylaw through a resolution, which includes a start date. To end or recall the bylaw, council would have to pass a similar resolution including an end date.
More information about the municipality's Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Coverings Bylaw and council's discussion will be in the Nov. 3 issue of the Town and Country This Week.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
