Leamington passes mask bylaw

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — At the August 11 Leamington council meeting, council passed a mandatory mask bylaw to help strengthen the already-in-place mask mandate handed down by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit a few weeks ago.

After some spirited discussion on the matter, council passed the bylaw by a vote of 3-2.

Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke and Councillor Bill Dunn opposed the motion. John Hammond was not present. This requirement is effective immediately and means that, with some exemptions, all persons, including staff, customers or visitors entering an indoor public space are required to wear a mask or face covering.

The mandatory mask by-law applies to the following indoor public spaces:

Transit vehicles, commercial establishments where goods and services are sold to customers, including retail stores; convenience stores; malls and plazas. Restaurants, personal service settings, grocery stores and bakeries, gas stations, farmer’s markets, areas of mechanics shops, garages, repair shops which are open to the public, and car dealerships.

Also, any community centres, libraries, museums, art galleries, theatres or performing arts centres, community service offices, banquet halls, convention centres, arenas, stadiums or other event spaces. You are also required to wear a mask in laundromats, common areas, including waiting areas, lobbies, service counters, washrooms, hallways, stairwells and elevators, unless such area is within a residential apartment building or condominium.

The bylaw does not apply to schools, daycare centres, day camps, athletic training facilities, churches and other places of worship, hospitals and independent health facilities.

“Our community continues to fight against COVID-19, and Council’s decision to mandate masks in indoor public spaces ensures we protect our residents while helping our businesses recover and our economy grow,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “This is a small sacrifice we can all make for the greater good of our community.”