A non-medical face mask (Pixabay)

By Justin Goulet

City of Calgary passes temporary bylaw mandating masks in public indoor spaces

Jul 22, 2020 | 10:15 AM

CALGARY, AB – As of August 1, people in Calgary will have to wear masks in indoor public spaces and public vehicles.

As a COVID-19 preventative measure, Calgary City Council passed the temporary Face Coverings Bylaw (Bylaw-26M2020) at its meeting on Tuesday, July 21.

The bylaw specifies that face coverings be worn on public transit and public vehicles (for hire), as well as in all public indoor spaces. That includes City of Calgary buildings.

“This temporary bylaw should be considered one of our most important tools to keep Calgary open,” said Kay Choi, manager of strategic services with the Calgary Community Standards, in a release.

“With businesses reopening, more social interactions and the number of cases increasing in Calgary, these additional measures will better mitigate a potential resurgence being experienced around the world. We know that navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for local businesses and a second wave may further exasperate an already challenged economy.”

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The City stated that feedback from 2,000 local businesses and City of Calgary operations helped inform the bylaw. Under the new bylaw, business operators/owners are required to display signage in public entryways of the business or vehicle.

Signage will be available via download at Calgary.ca/covid19.

EXCEPTIONS

The City noted that there are exceptions to who must wear a face covering.

Below is a list of individuals who do not require the use of a face covering:

· Children under two years of age

· People with underlying medical conditions or disabilities inhibiting their ability to wear a face covering

· People who are unable to place, use or remove a face covering safely without assistance

· People who are eating or drinking at a public premises that offers food and beverage services

· People engaging in an athletic or fitness activity

· People who are caregiving for or accompanying a person with a disability where wearing a face covering would hinder the accommodation of the person’s disability

· People who have temporarily removed their face covering where doing so is necessary to provide or receive a service (for example, a visit to the dentist)

The release from the City of Calgary stated that 34 percent of Calgarians say they always wear a face covering in public or confined spaces, like grocery stores, shopping malls and public transit.

Research by the City also found that 74 percent of residents are either strongly or somewhat supportive of making face coverings mandatory in public and confined spaces.

“This is not about enforcement; it is about educating people first. We’re trying to get the public to comply during what could be a worsening situation that may be coming if we can’t respond within the next six to eight weeks,” said Chief Tom Sampson, Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

Failure to abide by the bylaw and wear a face covering where required, or failure to display proper signage could result in a penalty of $100 to $200.