Mandatory Face Covering

Mandatory Face Covering Bylaws Passed in Several Communities

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Town of Tofield held an emergency special meeting on November 23 and decided to pass a Mandatory Face Covering Bylaw.

The bylaw requires the use of facial coverings for all individuals over the age of two in all indoor or substantially enclosed public places or in public transportation vehicles.

According to the Town of Tofield, “Mayor and Council have enacted this bylaw due to rising provincial, regional, and local COVID-19 case numbers. This bylaw also accommodates the Provincial request to help reduce risk in our communities to prevent overloading the health care system, and, to avoid further provincial imposed restrictions.

It should be noted that face coverings are only effective if used in combination with other health measures, such as regular hand washing, physical distancing, and reducing large gatherings.

While the intention of this bylaw is not punitive, those who do not, or refuse to comply with the bylaw, without medical exemption could be subject to a $50.00 fine.

Mayor and Council recognize that face coverings are a polarizing issue, however, we ask that all individuals in our community be treated with kindness, respect, and consideration, in what we have known to be the spirit of Tofield, both in-person and online.”

The Town of Viking posted this notice on its website on Nov. 27, stating, “Currently there is no mask bylaw in the

Town of Viking. The Beaver County mask bylaw does not extend into the towns and villages within its boundaries.

Although there is no mask bylaw in effect, in Viking, we strongly encourage all citizens to wear a mask when they are outside their homes.

Businesses are free to set their own guidelines. If they require masks in store that’s their policy, if you don’t like it don’t go in. The Carena Kitchen is now closed and all ice activities have ceased for the 3-week period ending December 13, 2020, unless the Province extends the time.”

According to information posted on the Beaver County website, “At a Special Council meeting on November 25, 2020, Beaver County Council adopted the Face Covering Bylaw (No. 20-1098) to enhance safety measures in the prevention of the spread of COVID - 19. This means it is mandatory for members of the public who are not exempt, to wear a face-covering or mask at all times while in an indoor, enclosed, or substantially enclosed public place or in a public vehicle…The bylaw is in effect until further notice, but Council will consider rescinding the bylaw as the Provincial COVID – 19 situation improves.”

The bylaw only applies to hamlets within Beaver County. Villages and towns within the municipality have the authority to pass their own bylaws.

The notice went on to say, “The Beaver County Services Centre and Transportation Shop are now closed to the public until further notice. The bylaw is in effect until further notice, but Council will consider rescinding the bylaw as the Provincial COVID – 19 situation improves.”

The Town of Two Hills passed a Face Covering Bylaw on Nov. 26. It requires people to wear a face-covering while in a civic facility or public premises and while in a public vehicle. Businesses must post the bylaw in the door or window. Failure to do any of the above can result in a penalty of $200.