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Brampton council approves mandatory face coverings by-law

City of Brampton
Brampton council approves mandatory face coverings by-law

Posted in: News Item

Date Posted: 2020-07-09

Organization Name: City of Brampton

Starting Friday, July 10, non-medical masks or face coverings will be required in all indoor public spaces in Brampton to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Following the advice of Peel Public Health, Brampton city council has passed the Brampton COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings By-law, which will remain in effect October 1. To support the community in this step, the city is distributing one million non-medical masks to residents, starting with mailing three masks to every household in Brampton.

“As we’ve heard from our public health officials, mandatory masks are an integral part of stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Patrick Brown. “To continue to move beyond this virus, we are ready to take all necessary precautions and it is why the city will be distributing one million non-medical masks to Brampton residents. I am encouraged by the collective approach to mask-wearing across the GTA, and know that our residents in Brampton will continue to do their part in prioritizing and protecting the community’s health and safety.”

This temporary by-law will require public establishments and businesses to ensure that masks or face coverings are worn in indoor public spaces under their control.

Spaces where non-medical masks or face coverings will be required include:

  • retail stores where goods and services are sold to customers;
  • businesses that primarily sell food including restaurants, supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries and convenience stores;
  • churches, mosques and other places of worship, except during a religious rite or ceremony conducted that is incompatible with the face being covered;
  • indoor community and recreational facilities;
  • shopping malls or similar structure which contains multiple places of business;
  • businesses providing personal care services;
  • common areas of hotels and motels and other short term accommodations;
  • libraries, museums, galleries and other similar facilities;
  • banquet halls, conventions centres, arenas, stadiums, and other event spaces;
  • concert venues, theatres, cinemas, casinos, and other entertainment establishments;
  • premises utilized as an open house, presentation centre, or other facility for real estate purposes;
  • Personal Transportation Company Vehicles operating within the City of Brampton;
  • buildings operated by the municipality; and
  • other businesses, organizations and places that are or may be permitted to operate in accordance with the Emergency Orders.

Individuals and businesses not adhering to this by-law may be fined a minimum of $500 and maximum of up to $100,000 for each offence.

“We have seen the results of our community’s efforts as our city progressed to Stage 2 of the province’s reopening,” said Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor, Wards 3 & 4; Lead, Mayor’s Reopening and Recovery Working Group. “This hard work must continue. We can move forward on our path to recovery by following the advice of our local health experts on actions such as the mandatory use of non-medical masks in indoor spaces.”

The by-law exempts certain individuals, including those who cannot wear a mask or facial covering due to medical reasons; children under the age of two; individuals engaged in an athletic activity in accordance with the Emergency Orders and individuals consuming food or drink at a permitted establishment. For a full list, visit: www.brampton.ca/masks.

As of July 2, non-medical masks are mandatory on all Brampton Transit buses and at terminals.

Wearing non-medical masks or face coverings is one of four core preventative actions outlined by Peel Public Health. The three other actions are staying apart, washing hands or using hand sanitizer, and getting tested if you think you might have COVID-19 or have been exposed to it – www.peelregion.ca/coronavirus/core-four/.

“As the city continues to gradually reopen and safely resume services, we are taking action on every opportunity that will help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Brampton CAO David Barrick. “Making non-medical masks mandatory is in the best interest of our community and economy, and we will do everything to support our employees, residents, and businesses as this is rolled out across the city.”

To learn more about the proper use of non-medical masks, face coverings and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), visit www.peelregion.ca/coronavirus/prevention/. Additional information and resources for businesses and facility operators are available at www.brampton.ca/masks.

For the latest updates on the City of Brampton’s response to COVID-19, visit www.brampton.ca/COVID19.