Everything you need to know about mandatory masks in Hamilton
Face coverings in indoor spaces could be mandatory here as early as July 20
Kingston, Toronto and Waterloo Region have done it.
Now it appears Hamilton will be next to pass a bylaw to make masks mandatory to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
The bylaw will have to pass at board of health meeting Friday before getting the green light from council on July 17.
During the city’s COVID-19 update Tuesday, Mayor Fred Eisenberger said he is expecting “unanimous” support from council on the new regulation. If passed, it would come into effect on July 20.
Masks and face coverings are already required at a number of retailers in Hamilton, as well as on city buses.
The Hamilton Spectator has everything you need to know about masks:
Where will I have to wear a mask?
On Tuesday, Eisenberger said the legislation would include commercial areas, retail spaces, places of worship, community services and public transit.
According to the proposed bylaw, that would include malls, community centres, art galleries, arenas, real estate open houses, hotel lobbies and elevators, cinemas as well as homeless shelters.
When should I wear a mask?
A mask can help in situations where physical distancing may be more difficult, like shopping at the grocery store or taking the bus.
You don’t have to wear a mask when driving alone in a car or when you are outside for a walk.
Who is exempt?
In Hamilton, children under the age of two, those living with underlying health conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask and those unable to put on or take off a mask without assistance will be exempt from the bylaw.
Swimmers, those engaging in athletic activity, any child under five that cannot be “persuaded” to a wear a mask, as well as those sleeping at a homeless shelter will also be exempt.
What is my role as a business owner/service operator?
According to the proposed bylaw, business owners and operators must have signage posted about the requirement for masks in their establishments.
Operators are expected to take “reasonable steps” to make sure no members of the public enter their establishments without a face covering unless they state their exemption.
If a person refuses to comply, operators are expected to ask them to “promptly” leave.
Operators will be required to ensure employees are wearing a face mask while working in areas that are open to the public unless they are behind a physical barrier.
Who will enforce the bylaw?
Bylaw officers will cover enforcement but Paul Johnson, manager of the city’s Emergency Operations Centre, said the effort will have an emphasis on education.
More “egregious” cases may still require a heavier hand, he suggested Tuesday.
Will there be a fine?
Hamiltonians who do not abide by the bylaw can be ticketed $200. Parents who fail to ensure their child is wearing a mask can be doled out an additional $200 fine.
What kind of mask should I use?
Public Health Canada has recommended neoprene, surgical and homemade cloth masks as well as scarves, bandanas and balaclavas.
Those wearing masks will have to ensure that there are no gaping holes and that their noses, mouths and chins are covered.
Why wear a mask?
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends you wear a non-medical mask in public to protect the people around you from COVID-19 transmission.
COVID-19 is spread by tiny “droplets” that people expel when they breathe, cough or sneeze. A mask helps prevent those droplets from being expelled into the air.
A mask protects others from catching COVID-19 in case you may be an asymptomatic carrier of the respiratory virus.
Of course, masks are not 100 per cent effective in preventing exposure to the virus.
People should continue prioritizing physical distancing — staying six feet, or two metres, apart — and handwashing, while avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth.
Can I wash and reuse my masks?
It depends on what type of mask you’re using. If you’re using a mask made of fabric or neoprene, then you can reuse them so long as you wash them after each use. Surgical masks are one-time use.
Public Health Canada recommends changing your mask, whether it’s cloth or medical, when it gets damp, soiled or crumpled.
How do I safely remove my mask and clean it?
Before removing your mask, Public Health Canada recommends you wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap; if soap and water aren’t available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer. Remove the mask from the back, without touching the front of your face.
If your mask is disposable, place it in a lined garbage bin immediately — don’t discard it on the ground — then wash your hands again for 20 seconds. Don’t touch your face in between steps.
If you’re cleaning a mask that’s reusable, Public Health Canada recommends laundering it in hot water immediately after removal, then washing your hands again for 20 seconds.
If you’re on the go, or aren’t able to wash the mask right away, place it in a sealed plastic bag. Be sure to empty the mask into the washing machine by holding onto the plastic bag, and not reaching in to grab it.