Lethbridge’s mask bylaw extended to December 31

Apr 6, 2021 | 3:36 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Face masks will continue to be required in Lethbridge until the end of 2021.

City council voted 6-3 Tuesday in favour of extending the Temporary Mandatory Face Covering Bylaw until December 31.

“Although we have seen the majority of our residents helping to protect our community, our current active case numbers continue to be alarming,” says City Councillor Rob Miyashiro.

“Until there is not a major risk to the community, Council will continue to encourage bylaw compliance and following of important public health orders and guidelines. It’s important these stay in place until the pandemic has passed.”

Mayor Chris Spearman says he’s happy the bylaw has been extended as it provides “consistency” with the provincial mask mandate.

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Council also passed first reading of an amending bylaw that would harmonize exemptions from the mask bylaw with the ones covered under the provincial order.

It does say in the bylaw that if the province says it’s safe to not have a mask bylaw before December 31, then the city can remove its mandate accordingly.

It includes sections regarding active case numbers, the provincial R factor, and that personal precautions in public spaces will continue to be recommended until after population immunity is achieved.

Second and third readings for the amendments will be held at future council meetings.

Bylaw 6239 was first enacted on August 24, 2020, and states that face coverings must be worn at all times while in an indoor, enclosed, or substantially closed public place or in a pubic vehicle.

For more information on the bylaw, go to www.lethbridge.ca/facecoverings.

by David Opinko