WESTLOCK - Town of Westlock councillors unanimously passed a mandatory face-covering bylaw at their Monday-night meeting meaning all members of the public, with some exceptions, will be required to wear some form of a mask while in a public place, or public vehicle like the Community Assistance Bus.
The new bylaw, which is available to view at http://www.westlock.ca/Home/DownloadDocument?docId=cb6dc860-cd9b-41d0-9ce2-a7c2f7f70be9, comes into effect tomorrow, Oct. 28. The bylaw is in direct response to rising COVID-19 numbers as the community has been placed on the Alberta Health Services Watch List — as of Oct. 26 there were 23 active cases in the Westlock region (town, Westlock County and Village of Clyde), while the rate of active cases per 100,000 sits at 168.2.
“We are not in the same place anymore with this virus. It is our responsibility to take precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 to protect our community and our economy. So, in addition to the physical distancing, staying home when we are sick, and washing our hands recommendations, we will now wear masks,” said mayor Ralph Leriger in an Oct. 27 media release.
As per Bylaw 2020-22, a public place is defined as any property, whether publicly or privately owned, to which members of the public have access as a right of way, or by express or implied invitation, whether on payment of any fee or not.
Schools and child-care facilities are exempt from the bylaw, as are areas exclusively accessed or used by employees in businesses where there are physical barriers, or if there are physical distancing practices in place. Platforms or stages in places of worship during services, provided that physical barriers or physical distancing is in effect, are also exempt.
Meanwhile, the bylaw defines a face covering as a medical or non-medical mask, or other face covering that fully covers the nose, mouth and chin, ensuring a barrier that limits the transmission of infectious respiratory droplets. People who flaunt the bylaw can face a fine, which starts at $100 and tops out at $1,000.
“This is a practical and measured response to Westlock being placed under a watch status by the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health,” said town CAO Simone Wiley, in a release.
There are 10 exemptions from wearing a covering: children under 10; anyone unable to place, use or remove one without assistance; anyone unable to wear a mask due to a mental or physical concern or limitation; people eating or drinking in either a designated place or as part of a religious ceremony; anyone engaged in a physical activity (athletics); anyone providing care or assistance to a person with a disability where a mask would hinder their efforts; persons engaging in a service that requires the temporary removal of a mask; persons participating in theatrical dance or some form of musical performance so long as the participants are two metres apart and performers don’t enter areas where the public is viewing; people providing or receiving a service that requires personal consultation as long as the activity occurs in a closed office or meeting room and the participants stay two-metres apart; persons separated from others by physical barriers or plexiglass shields. The bylaw also notes that people can be fined for harassing or intimidating anyone exempt from wearing a mask.
Masks in the workplace
• If you are in an office or cubicle separated from others by physical barriers or shields such as plexiglas, you do not need to wear a mask
• If you are in a shared hallway or space and it is not possible to maintain physical distance (two metres), wear a mask
• If you are providing a service that requires personal consultation and are able to maintain physical distance, you do not need to wear a mask
• If you are not able to maintain physical distance (two metres), wear a mask
• If you are consuming food or drink in a designated seating area, you do not need to wear a mask
• Please maintain physical distance (two metres) and follow room capacity allowances
For more visit the town's website at http://www.westlock.ca/.
