Grey Bruce's top doctor has extended an order mandating mask or face covering use at indoor public spaces — with some exceptions — in the region.
A release from the Grey Bruce Health Unit explains Dr. Ian Arra is extending the order issued on July 17 for another four weeks.
It requires all commercial establishments in Grey Bruce to make the best effort (verbal) to restrict persons from entering the premises or remaining within the premises if not wearing a face covering, although turning away or refusing a customer is not required.
Since entering Stage 3 of Ontario's re-opening plan four weeks ago — when the mask order took effect on July 17 — case growth in Grey Bruce has stayed fairly low.
As of Thursday evening, there are only six active known cases in the region, according to the Grey Bruce Health Unit's latest epidemiological data.
“The renewed order will continue to help all of us maintain the safe and successful re-opening.” Arra says in a statement. “The community has embraced this measure as a part of their personal routine along with physical distancing and other public health recommendations. There is a great need to continue to do everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The mask order applies to anyone over the age of two, although children under the age of five are exempt as well if “he or she refuses to wear a face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their parent, guardian or caregiver.”
According to a past Bayshore Broadcasting report, there are also exemptions for medical purposes, or simply for those who feel “wearing a face covering would inhibit the person's ability to breathe in any way.”
The revised order also includes a provision for those requiring lip reading by allowing removal of face covering to accommodate communication with a deaf person, the health unit advises.
There is no need for a medical note for not wearing a face covering.
The order by Dr. Arra is issued through authority under section 22 of The Health Protection and Promotion Act. It grants broad powers to medical officers of health to issue orders that may require a person to take or to refrain from taking any action that is specified in respect of a communicable disease.
