Masks mandatory in public indoor spaces in Toronto starting July 7
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Don’t expect to see bylaw officers hunting down those who fail to wear masks while inside stores and other buildings next week.
Toronto council has made masks and face coverings mandatory in enclosed public places, starting July 7.
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The city appears to be putting the onus for compliance on store and business operators and insists that education — and not enforcement — will be key to the success of the mask initiative. Establishments can refuse service to anyone without a mask.
However, in a bid to add teeth to its bylaw, the city will be going to a senior justice of the peace to apply to have a fine — likely in the $750-$1,000 range — set for use if required.
Mayor John Tory says the face coverings will help stop the spread of the virus.
“We don’t want a repeat of reports we are seeing from the U.S.,” Tory said this week during a news conference.
“(Wearing masks) maybe uncomfortable but our doctor says it works. During this critical time, we must do everything we can to avoid a flare-up.”
Toronto Medical Officer of Health Eileen de Villa says the city needs as many people as possible to mask up to stop the spread.
“COVID-19 is unlike any infectious disease we have seen in our lifetime. We are still in the middle of a pandemic. We have entered Stage 2 and need to move forward with care,” she said.
Meanwhile, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson jointly announced plans for similar measures for Peel.
The new bylaw would expire at 12:01 a.m. on the first day after the completion of the first council meeting following summer recess, which is scheduled for Sept. 30.
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“Toronto has made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19. Toronto is now in Stage 2 of the province of Ontario’s reopening framework, with many businesses and community settings reopening and many activities able to resume with COVID-19 precautions in place,” said de Villa.
Children under the age of two and people with a medical condition don’t have to comply with the bylaw.
While the number of new COVID-19 cases continues to trend downward, new cases persist.
Masks or face coverings will be required on TTC vehicles as of Thursday and are already required on city ferries to Toronto Island Park as well as in certain business settings, like salons and tattoo parlours, as prescribed by orders under the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
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“Safety is always our top priority and throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have continually adapted our operations and services based on best practices and in consultation with Toronto Public Health,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary.
“The changes we are making on July 2 are very much in line with that approach, ensuring the well-being of customers and employees is our paramount consideration.”
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