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By Connor Gunn

Committee recommends Lethbridge City Council not renew mask bylaw

Feb 11, 2021 | 3:58 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB– The Community Standing Policy Committee has decided what they will recommend council does with the current mask bylaw.

The mask mandate was first introduced on August 24, 2020, and was set to be in effect until December 31, 2020.

In November, it was extended until February 23, 2021.

Three options were presented to the committee:

1. Not extend the bylaw
2. Extend it in its current state until the end of December 2021
3. Extend the bylaw to the end of December with “revisions” to allow for extra resources to go to enforcement personnel

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The committee decided to recommend that City Council choose the first option, to let the bylaw run out by not renewing it.

Previous Story: Lethbridge City Council to consider extending mask bylaw to Dec. 31

Council members on the committee say even though the bylaw may be rescinded, the provincial mandate will still be in effect.

Committee members said the decision came down to the fact that the city already falls under an Alberta mandate on masks and having one in Lethbridge would be “redundant.”

These are just recommendations to council, meaning council can completely shoot down the requests as well.

In the meeting, members were told transmission in Lethbridge has mainly been through social circles and not keeping distance while having gatherings.

Mask compliance has grown in the city, outlined by Robin Harper, GM of Recreation and Culture with the city, who added no mask compliance tickets have been handed out.

City council will discuss the recommendations at the February 23 council meeting.

The proposal to potentially extend Lethbridge’s face coverings bylaw can be read in full here.

You can provide your feedback on this or any other issue relating to the Community Safety Standing Policy Committee here.

Full details on current COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta can be found here.