Section 22 Order Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act: Masks In Stores/Businesses
For Immediate Release: June 10, 2020
Dr. Nicola Mercer issues order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act for Phase 2 of the Ontario Framework for Reopening our Province
At 10:00 am this morning, June 10th, 2020, Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health for the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit, issued an order with respect to the wearing of masks while in stores and businesses.
The order comes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 and requires all persons who own or operate a Commercial Establishment in the jurisdiction of the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit to:
- Prohibit Persons from entering the premises of the Commercial Establishment or remaining in the premises if the said Person is not wearing a Face Covering. The Face Covering must be worn inside the Establishment at all times, unless it is reasonably required to temporarily remove the Face Covering for services provided by the Establishment.
A Person shall be exempt from wearing a Face Covering on the premises if:
a.The Person is a child under the age of two years;
b. Wearing a Face Covering would inhibit the Person’s ability to breathe in any way; or
c. For any other medical reason the Person cannot safely wear a Face Covering.
2. Ensure the availability of alcohol-based hand rub at all entrances and exits for the use of all Persons entering or exiting the Establishment. Public Health Order and the use of masks in commercial spaces.
"I fully support the Order issued today by Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health for the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit, requiring the use of face masks in commercial establishments," said Warden Darren White. "As Dr. Mercer and other health professionals have explained, the use of face coverings is effective in limiting the spread of COVID 19. With the opening up of additional businesses in our region, as part of the move to Stage 2 in the provincial plan, I expect it will be quite busy in Dufferin County establishments in the coming days."
"I understand that this may prove challenging for some local businesses," says Warden White. "We all want our businesses to be successful and as we adjust to this new reality it is important to take measures that will mitigate the need for future closures." The County of Dufferin will be supporting widespread notification and public awareness messages to ensure residents are aware of the requirements.
Click here for the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health Class Order.
Media Contacts:
Pam Hillock
Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, Dufferin County
519-941-2816 ext. 2503