Huron Perth Face Covering Policy Takes Effect on Friday

Tuesday, 14 July 2020 at 16:05

The Huron Perth Health Unit has released formal instructions to employers in both counties regarding the use of face coverings in indoor commercial and public space.

HURON/PERTH - The Huron Perth Health Unit has released formal instructions to employers in both counties regarding the use of face coverings in indoor commercial and public space.

The Instructions, along with FAQs, are available at www.hpph.ca/masks. Huron Perth Public Health is providing support (such as sample policy, posters, discussion guide and more) to owner/operators of commercial and public spaces to implement these instructions.

These Instructions require owners/operators of these spaces to implement a policy for the use of masks or face coverings; including the expectation that people entering or remaining in an indoor commercial or public space will wear a face covering.

Indoor commercial and public space means the indoor portions of any premises that are openly accessible to members of the public and that are used for the purposes of offering goods or services to members of the public.

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

The Instructions ask owners/operators to ensure that employees wear a face covering when they are in the public space of the business without a suitable barrier such as plexiglass.

For visitors or customers, owners/operators are required to make best efforts to require people entering or remaining in their premises to wear a face covering if they can.

Best efforts include having a policy that requests people entering or staying in the premises to wear a face covering as well as posting signage and training employees on the policy. There are exemptions for those who cannot wear a mask. Operators should not ask for proof of exemption, and are not required to turn a customer away.

Dr. Miriam Klassen, the Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth says the new bylaw will take effect on Friday.

"This policy is being enacted and enforced ‘in good faith. Owners and operators are to use the policy as a means to educate people on face covering use in enclosed spaces."