Leamington clarifies mask by-law by passing amendment

LEAMINGTON — Leamington Council further clarified their recent mandatory mask by-law at their council meeting of August 25.

The by-law was discussed and passed at the meeting of August 11, requiring people to wear a mask in municipal public spaces throughout the municipality.

Leamington’s Legal Services Director Ruth Orton, clarified the by-law to answer some questions which arose after the by-law was passed. A motion was put forth to make changes to the by-law to include specific information. According to the by-law, the definition of a mask does not include a shield.

Masks are to be worn in places such as libraries, municipal buildings, transit and recreation centres. Masks are not required outdoors, where social distancing can be easily attained.

Anyone over the age of two years old is required to wear the mask, unless medical reasons prevent them from doing so.

Councillor Tim Wilkinson questioned the age requirement, saying that it’s difficult to get a two-year-old to do anything, let alone wear a mask in a store.

Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke suggested that Leamington align with other municipalities in the county and make sure that the minimum age is the same.

It was determined that signage was already made with the two-year-old age and it would be difficult to go back to the drawing board at this point.

After a brief discussion, council voted to pass the amendment by a vote of 4-2. Verbeke and Bill Dunn voted against the motion.