Southwestern Public Health has issued a letter of instruction to businesses throughout St. Thomas, Elgin and Oxford Counties as they prepare to make face coverings mandatory in all enclosed public spaces.
The new instructions issued by the health unit will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on July 30th and includes a one-week grace period to allow businesses time to prepare. Following the grace period, policies must be put in place by 12:00 a.m. on August 6th.
Those that attend commercial establishments, ride on public transit or on commercial service vehicles will be mandated to wear masks at all times once the order takes effect. They have implemented two policies for businesses to follow including one that requires everyone to wear face coverings while in enclosed public spaces, and a second for public health measures in enclosed employee spaces that are not accessible to the public.
Southwestern Public Health also recommends municipalities pass bylaws for a consistent approach to face coverings across the region, subject to timing for local councils to meet.
Southwestern Public Health will be holding a teleconference at 11:30 this morning in regards to the announcement. Stay tuned for more information and comments from Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Joyce Lock.
