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You are here: Home / News / Health unit to require masks in indoor public spaces in Simcoe Muskoka starting July 13, 2020
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Health unit to require masks in indoor public spaces in Simcoe Muskoka starting July 13, 2020

By Media Release On July 7, 2020 News

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This information was released by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on July 7. See the link at the bottom of the page for more in-depth coverage on Doppler.

As of Monday July 13, 2020, the public is required to wear a face covering (i.e. non-medical mask) when entering the indoor premises of businesses, organizations, and on public transit systems in Simcoe Muskoka. This will be achieved through instructions to businesses and organizations to have a policy in place requiring this. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is issuing these instructions under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) in an effort to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.

“As we move through the stages of the reopening of the economy there is an increased risk of resurgence of COVID-19 transmission in our communities. Locally we are seeing more visitors from other parts of the province with a much higher incidence of COVID-19, resulting in crowding in public spaces, and this has us concerned,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of health.

“There is emerging evidence that suggests the spread of COVID-19 can be reduced with a high level of compliance of non-medical mask use by the public. As well, we have a great deal of support for the use of face coverings in indoor public spaces from municipalities, physicians and hospitals, and other community partners.”

The health unit has prepared instructions for businesses and organizations under the EMCPA, with the expectation that they use their “best efforts” requiring the public to wear face coverings, including the use of signs and verbal reminders. There is no requirement, however, that a business turn away a customer who is not wearing a face covering. In addition, there are certain exemptions including age, religious practices and medical circumstances.

A face covering means a medical or non-medical mask or other face coverings such as a bandana, a scarf or cloth that covers the mouth and nose.

“Our businesses and organizations that are open to the public have worked diligently to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and many already ask that patrons and clients wear a face covering,” said Dr. Gardner. “Requiring the public to wear a face covering is an extra step to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and is key for the continued successful reopening of the local economy and to safeguard our residents against the virus in circulation now, into the fall and beyond.”

For more information about COVID-19, including frequently asked questions and signage for businesses, see www.smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

Related: What does the health unit’s new mask requirement mean for you?

 

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Reader Interactions

10 Comments

  1. Ray Vowels says

    July 7, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    I guess we gota do what big brother Toronto is doing. My opinion is it will not make any difference because most people that wear these masks don’t have them on properly anyway big gaps in both sides. And once you wear one and take it off it is useless if you put it back on. If it has the virus on it your just asking for trouble. I guess I’ll be shopping online for anything I need glad we are stocked up.

  2. Henk Rietveld says

    July 7, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    It’s about time! Yes, they can be a nuisance, but if it prevents you, or the worker who is serving you from getting the virus, it’s totally worth the slight inconvenience.

  3. Anne fuller says

    July 7, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    I 100 percent agree with you Ray Vowels. Misuse of the masks is worse than not wearing one. I guess I will also be online shopping. So much for supporting local businesses

  4. Ryan Vallentin says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    Ray, if everyone wears a mask the. The virus will only be on the inside of an infected persons mask, they can take it off and on all day long yet somehow, they will only get covid once… go figure!

    You wear a mask to protect others, not solely to protect yourself. If you contract covid, you will spread it to others before you even realize you have covid. That is the time that wearing a mask is most important.

    This should have been mandatory months ago

  5. Darren Maw says

    July 7, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    Nope not a chance. Maybe everyone needs to quit being government puppets and stand up to these so called government officials. If people choose to wear one so be it. They do not make a difference and I myself am not comfortable wearing one. Maybe quit welcoming tourists and locals wouldn’t have to worry about it.

  6. Ryan Vallentin says

    July 8, 2020 at 7:53 am

    Darren, how is protecting everyone while you are out in public being a government puppet? Masks work, stop relying on social media to get your info. If you aren’t wearing a mask in public, you shouldn’t be out in public, stay home

  7. Warren Shewfelt says

    July 8, 2020 at 8:01 am

    Look how well the argument for not wearing masks is working south of the border.
    I applaud those that don’t want to wear masks who put the community at risk to do as they say they will …. shop online and stay inside your homes.
    The rest of us who are not so selfish and wear them sincerely thank you for your absence on our streets and in our local stores.

  8. Tom Steadman says

    July 8, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    As of today, July 2, we have had 36 deaths in a Simcoe Muskoka Health Region of 540,000 people—1 death per 15,000 people.

    Ontario’s 13,600,000 people have experienced 2,672 deaths—or about 1 death in 5,100.

    Interestingly, in Marion County Florida (where I visit in the winter) their death rate (as of today) is 1 in 36,600. Clearly, the inflamed reporting about Florida “spikes” requires moderation also.

    Muskokans continue to be respectful, cautious, and considerate folks. We have no need to panic. Most of us respect the 6 foot rule, some of us are ultra-conservative and a few…wholly unconcerned. Nevertheless, the facts prove that we require no regional government diktat to force the speaking impairment, the breathing difficulties and the social alienation of full-time masks for all.

    [ED.- As of July 8, there have been 36 deaths reported in Simcoe Muskoka (about 6.6 per 100,000 population, or 5.9 per 100 confirmed cases) and 2,703 deaths reported in Ontario (about 20 per 100,000 population, or 7.4 per 100 confirmed cases). In Marion County, Florida there have been 12 deaths reported (about 3 per 100,000 population, or slightly more than 1 per 100 confirmed cases) and in Florida as a whole there have been 4,008 deaths reported (about 19 per 100,000 population, or 1.7 per 100 confirmed cases).]

  9. Murray Christenson says

    July 10, 2020 at 5:43 am

    The level of ignorance around mask wearing is truly mind blowing…like the person suggesting wearing one makes you a government puppet. How on earth can anyone still have that attitude with all the medical advice and information that’s been widely communicated.
    I wear a mask out of respect for other people and I hope you will do the same. If not, I agree with others here…just stay home.

  10. Bill Coon says

    July 11, 2020 at 8:13 am

    Wearing a mask is just a simple act of caring and selflessness.
    Please just do it!

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