Brant County Approves Face Covering By-Law

Wednesday, 15 July 2020 11:31

The County of Brant has passed a bylaw that will require people to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces that will take effect on Monday.

BRANT COUNTY - The County of Brant has passed a bylaw that will require people to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces.

Mayor David Bailey says the new bylaw will take effect on Monday July 20th.

"The Brant County Health Unit has done an excellent job helping us navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been able to maintain a relatively low number of infections by taking a proactive and cautious approach. Our hospital and essential services were not overwhelmed. As the province and County move forward and open more amenities, we need to continue to take a proactive and cautious approach. We are listening to the health authorities and they are indicating that use of face coverings, particularly in enclosed public spaces, can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is a relatively simple practice to adopt that can make a significant positive impact in the community."

The Face Covering bylaw will support business owners who operate in enclosed public spaces to require face coverings from their staff and patrons and gives them authority to not permit people into enclosed public places without a face covering. It will also require people to use face coverings when using Brant eRide, the County’s public micro transit system.

Enclosed public spaces includes stores, restaurants, services such as counselling, funeral home and transportation/repair, lobby areas of commercial buildings, hotels and motels (excluding the rented rooms), laundromats, fitness centres, real estate open houses, museums, places of worship, municipal buildings, schools, hospitals and more.

A "face covering" can include a medical mask 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.

Bailey wants to thank residents in advance for taking this seriously.

"I want to thank County of Brant residents and business owners in advance. I know this hasn’t been easy for anyone. We’ve all had our unique struggles through these uncertain times. But I can confidently say that the residents in the County of Brant are tremendous people who are consistently showing great care and concern for their neighbours. Please continue to act in the best interest of your community. Help us protect those who are most vulnerable. Together, we will get through this."

There are exceptions noted within the Face Covering bylaw. For example, small children and those with a medical condition are exempt. For full details about the Face Covering bylaw, visit www.brant.ca/FaceCovering.