London Middlesex Health Unit Makes Face Coverings Mandatory This Saturday

Friday, 17 July 2020 14:02

The Counties of Oxford, Elgin, Haldimand and Norfolk are the only areas in this region without a mandatory face covering order.

UPDATE: Since this article was first published, the Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie is making face coverings mandatory at all indoor places effective this Saturday. This means employees working indoors and the public will be expected to wear a mask in London Middlesex.

Dr. Chris Mackie issued instructions under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act today, requiring operators of all enclosed public spaces to implement measures requiring the public to wear face coverings at all times while on their premises.

The mandatory wearing of face coverings and other public health measures including ensuring physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and providing alcohol-based hand sanitizers for customers, will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 18th.

The Instructions will be enforceable by public health staff, municipal by-law officers and law enforcement officials.

You can find more information online here.

Original Story

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LONDON/MIDDLESEX - London and Middlesex County could be the next community to have a mandatory mask by-law in place.

The Medical Officer of Health for London Middlesex Dr. Chris Mackie will be giving a special presentation to council on Monday and then it is expected the by-law will be introduced on Tuesday.

If the by-law passes on Tuesday, it would mean that Southwestern Public Health region, which includes Oxford County and the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit would be the only ones in this area to not have a mandatory mask by-law.

Currently mandator face covering by-laws are in effect in the Waterloo Region, Huron-Perth, Brant County and the City of Brantford.

The proposed minimum fine for not wearing a mask in London/Middlesex is $500.

County officials in Oxford County have confirmed they are discussing a face covering by-law, however nothing is on the table at the time of this publication.