Face masks mandatory in Ontario starting today

The mandatory wearing of face masks will be implemented to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The decision was reached by the four separate health units in those areas.

The directive will be made a temporary bylaw in Ottawa as soon as city council meet to approve it at their next meeting on July 15. A joint order by various public heath officers is not common, which shows the degree to which they believe this measure is necessary.

"It's so important that we have as similar as possible requirements," said Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa's medical officer of health. Etches noted that many people travel between the regions that the four different health units represent.

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), Dr. Paula Stewart of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, and Dr. Robert Cushman of the Renfrew County and District Health Unit are the medical health officers who joined Etches in signing off on the joint order.

Medical officers have the authority under the Ontario Emergency Act to make masks mandatory. This allows local health officials to determine the conditions under which businesses are permitted to operate in the province. Businesses who wish to conduct their trade must oblige by these orders to operate during Stage 2 of the province's reopening plan.

The municipalities of Toronto and Kingston have also already mandated the use of non-medical face masks for those who patron indoor public establishments or facilities.

The new measure incentivizes business owners to require patrons to wear the face masks, however the policy is meant to be enforced on the honour system, with patrons and businesses alike acting in "good faith." The idea behind the policy is to educate the public about how to prevent contagion of the virus rather than punishing people or businesses.