Edmonton city councilors are asked to extend the COVID-19 mandatory mask bylaw until May 31, 2021.
Interim city manager Adam Laughlin and city officials recommended the five-month extension in a report published on Thursday afternoon. Currently, the bylaw requires residents to wear face coverings in all publicly accessible indoor spaces until the end of 2020 after coming into effect on August 1.
The city is recommending the rule to be extended to help prevent the spread of the virus as cases in Edmonton continue to rise.
Masks are required in retail stores, restaurants, recreation centers, and entertainment venues as well as vehicle-for-hire and public transit.
The bylaw does not apply to schools, healthcare facilities, and hospitals, childcare facilities, or employee-only spaces where physical barriers have been installed to provide separation from patrons.
The compliance of the bylaw has been 97%. From August 1 to October 15, the city has issued four $100 tickets for violation of the rule and received 1,161 complaints about people not complying.
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Learn more about face masks and how to stay safe by enrolling in a mask fitting test which is a requirement for many workspaces and schools or the available masks for sale by visiting our face mask sale page.
Our courses maintain social distancing measures with reduced class sizes to maintain the minimum 2 meters apart along with the mandatory use of face masks and regular temperature checks. The venue of the courses undergo regular, enhanced cleaning and disinfection routines.
For more information about face masks, check out these sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/09/30/mask-guidelines-covid-faq/?arc404=true