The agenda for city council’s Monday meeting released last week indicated council was to receive an update on the Corona-19 virus from Dr. Jennifer Loo, associate medical officer of health with Algoma Public Health.
As you won’t be reading this until after the meeting, I am hopeful that council will have gone a step further, that rather than simply hearing the update that it will at least have had some discussion regarding the mandatory use of face masks in this community.
APH announced last week that businesses and organizations must adopt a policy that requires people to wear a mask or face covering in enclosed public spaces such as businesses or organizations, as well as public transit, effective July 17.
The reason I am looking to council getting involved is that the APH policy really has no teeth. It doesn’t appear to be enforceable.
That thought was not lost on Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health at Public Health Sudbury and Districts, who had previously offered the new rules there under the authority of the Provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, the same act APH is using to back up its policy initiative.
A story in The Sudbury Star said, “Under the requirement, most commercial establishments that are ‘openly accessible to members of the public,’ including malls, convenience stores, restaurants, and taxis, must create a no-mask, no-service policy.”
But there was a kicker.
“At the same time,” the story indicated, “they will not necessarily be required to enforce it.”
“There aren’t any face-covering police anywhere, whether you’re talking about Ottawa, Windsor, Kingston, or Sudbury,” said Dr. Sutcliffe.
“It is mandatory for commercial establishments to have a policy in place, but we are relying on good faith and best effort enactment and enforcement.”
In short, it is mandatory for an establishment to have a policy in place in regard to the wearing of masks; it is not mandatory that the establishment turn someone away who is not wearing a face covering. .
The Sudbury Star story also said, “a number of local establishments have gone full tilt with the new policy, establishing manned stations at front entrances to inform the public and ask that they wear a face mask when they enter the building.
“On the other hand, some establishments have posted policies on their windows, but they aren’t doing much – if anything at all – to uphold the new rules.”
I can see some businesses not buying in because I went through the act the Algoma and Sudbury health agencies are using as their authority, and I can’t see anything in it that would give them the power to even institute such a policy, let alone enforce it.
That, from what I can see, has to be done through a bylaw passed by a community’s council, which is as it should be. There is no way a health unit should be given the power to make such a dictate..
Toronto recently passed a bylaw requiring the use of masks in indoor settings and such bylaws are also in effect in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Durham Region and York Region.
Timmins and Halton Region councils were to discuss instituting such bylaws this week.
I think a news release from the City of Toronto regarding its decision to go with a Covid-19 bylaw spells out how the procedure to get something in place should play out.
There, the news release said, council “heeded advice from the medical officer of health, who recommended city council use its authority to legislate for the protection of the health, safety and well-being of persons in Toronto to enact a temporary bylaw requiring businesses and facilities to have a policy that ensures masks or face coverings are worn by the public in the enclosed spaces under their control to prevent a resurgence of Covid-19 cases.”
That is what should have taken place here and in Sudbury.
All of the various bylaws and orders exempt younger children and anyone with an underlying medical condition that makes it difficult for them to wear a mask.
“We believe this (the mandatory wearing of masks) is critical for the reopening. If we want to get to Stage 3 we have to get our numbers down and all the top medical officials are saying this is the tool to do it.” Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told CP24 on Friday. “We are going to be encouraging compliance and if there are instances where people are intentionally ignoring the warning and intentionally ignoring the advice of medical professionals then absolutely we are going to lay fines.”
The laying of fines could not be done under the policies put forth by the Sault and Sudbury health units.
The Sudbury Star polled the community, asking whether wearing a face mask in public should become mandatory. More than 1,000 people responded to the poll, with more than 50 percent of the community saying no and 40 percent saying yes.
I think this shows why a bylaw is needed. A lot of businesses and their clients aren’t going to pay all that much attention to a toothless policy initiated by a health agency.
We have been lucky in the Algoma District, having had only 25 people test positive and 24 of those having been resolved.
I think we should all be working to keep it that way and one of the ways to do it is by the wearing of masks in crowded situations.
No doubt Premier Doug Ford should come out with a provincial initiative mandating the use of face masks but since he so far has not been inclined to do so, we will have to look to our council.
After all, it is obvious from so many people in this community not wearing masks when they are visiting retail outlets that we aren’t going to do it on our own.
Debbie Humes. You are a brave Lady. We all thank you for your perseverance.
Lovely! And here comes a spike in cases and a second lockdown!
Marcella Beaven Maclachlan How do you figure? I’m guessing that those who have already been wearing will continue to. There are many many people that don’t wear them now and there are no new cases today! Why all of a sudden because it’s “mandatory” if people STILL don’t wear them will there be such an increase as you are predicting? Just curious.
No newcases today doesn’t mean none tomorrow or next week.
Sharon Leavens uhmm because businesses weren’t open and people were either isolating or gathering in groups of five?? Now that it is opening up and we are trying to get things back on track without another lockdown there are more risks – with that they want more precautions – makes total sense
Sharon Leavens not to mention people traveling more now that summer is here, possibly from spots that still have cases – the exposure is potentially higher – every business that likes being open again should enforce the rules so that we can all remain open
Ok well I’m just not as logical as you are I guess! 🤦🏼♀️ And maybe if things had of been done in a better order/manner there would be no need for any of this!! But that’s just my opinion which I’m guessing also makes no sense?
Stephen Alexander but that’s just it people should t be travelling we are in a state of emergency. I have my mother-in-law in Oshawa but I can’t go see her and she can’t come here.
Connie Cryderman people are definitely traveling and they know northern Ontario is a “safe” zone which makes it more appealing
I will put one on but not gonna wear it as suppose to,it will be beneath my nose, they can say you have to wear one but doesn’t say how you have to wear it, I prefer to breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, I have an immune system, and that’s how it works, I dont like rebreathing in carbon dioxide,its bad for your health, ask a real physician!!!!
I wear a mask 12 hrs a day for work and I will add that it’s very uncomfortable. I thankfully don’t go to too many public places, but when I do, I enjoy my freedom right now of not wearing one. I maintain my distance and at this stage of the game, I think it’s something we should have done months ago.
Ridiculous!!!
Elyse Bailey what do you find ridiculous?
Frank Montagna what I find ridiculous…is that we just can’t seem to decide… first it’s going to be mandatory, then they’re not sure…then they can’t enforce it…”it’s against people’s human right” 😭😭😭…it’s ridiculous.. just make a rule. Either everybody wears masks… or nobody has to wear masks…& be able to enforce it if that’s the new bylaw!!!
Elyse Bailey they legally can not enforce and many don’t want to in Sudbury the retailers are letting it go
Elyse Bailey so you think everyone should have to wear a mask regardless?
Frank Montagna Yep… If that’s what the city decides! Personally I think we should be wearing them.
Elyse Bailey so you feel and I’m not trying to get on your case that the city has say over a persons rights? Just asking
Frank Montagna yes I do… If it’s mandatory you must wear it..or you cannot be in the stores
Elyse Bailey did you read the aph website on it
Frank Montagna yes I’m just saying that if people can’t wear masks…(for whatever reason)… they just shouldn’t be going into the stores
Elyse Bailey do they should lose the right to life and liberty because of APH? Just playing devils advocate here
Frank Montagna Life & Liberty…well I guess yes…because if they are so Chronically Compromised they shouldn’t b out…they should have someone else getting the items for them…I am immune compromised…but I must wear a mask when out in Public…because Life goes on…Everyone & Their Brother will Cry “No Mask”…Stores have a right to Refuse…Well Hopefully They Will By Friday 🙂
Elyse Bailey some have panic attacks and anxiety with their mouth covered. But too each their own stay safe!
Elyse Bailey I think the law will be on the side of those who choose not to wear a mask for health reasons tho
Frank Montagna oh I’m Sure it Will B…
Frank Montagna I think it would become a human rights issues if the business/service refused but didn’t offer accommodations. Many of our business already offer curbside, online ordering, uber/skip and their own delivery etc. If they didn’t offer accommodations then yes it would be a violation of human rights. But with the other ways to shop/use the service, they are not being refused service, just not physical shopping in the store.
Kim Watt not so sure about that I think that would come down to a judicial decision. Especially if said person had a health reason and was being refused the same service everyone else enjoys. Will be interesting to see how it plays out though.
Frank Montagna it will be for sure.
Kim Watt stay safe I’m not wearing a mask of a store doesn’t wan to serve me I’m ok with that
Frank Montagna I’m immune comprised and have already been wearing one. Stay safe as well.
You say it’s not enforceable but what facts or law says it isnt ? .. we force people to wear mask in manufacturing, hospitals, construction , etc . So what makes that different?
I won’t be wearing one
I will.
Laur A Pro Raw is law kiiiiid
Frank Montagna wow cool, fight the establishment 🙄
Jennifer Obreene yes I plan to! Are you with me
Frank Montagna you sound really silly. Really. Really. Ignorant and rude. Exactly what’s wrong with society.
Frank Montagna I won’t be wearing one either
Jennifer Obreene explain that why are you bashing me because I don’t want to wear a mask
He doesn’t sound those things, he is those things…. I think it’s his choice and if you’re one of the folks that will be more worried about others wearing masks then i suggest that in person you keep your judgements and comments to yourself because a lot of people are exempt and/or choosing not to and i would legit rip you apart if you said anything to anyone in public.
This is 100% going to be a Karen party to everyone who thinks they know anything. What’s wrong w society is people like you criticising others personally over a fb comment.
Jfc.
Frank Montagna Theres literally no use with people like this.
Jennifer Obreene explain that what do you mean people like this?
Wow. Hahaha that’s a gross comment Jennifer. Shameful.
Laur A Pro I think she mean natives might as well said “you people”
Maybe shes just super racist and that’s ok, because she’s going to wear a mask.
Laur A Pro I feel oppressed by her racial slurs
Please know, this isnt the views of all white women. We just got a bad one in the bunch.
Laur A Pro I though society moved beyond this ☹️ I will need a cross walk repainted for my pain
As you shall have, at tax payers expense, immediately.
Frank Montagna This.
The immaturity in your comments after is exactly what I was talking about.
Thanks.
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