As of tomorrow (Friday) the wearing of face coverings in public indoor spaces across Elgin will be mandatory as per a bylaw passed unanimously this morning at a special meeting of county council. The bylaw supports the letter of instruction issued last month by Southwestern Public Health. There are exemptions as noted by Elgin county deputy clerk Katherine Thompson.
Thompson explains there is an expiry date on the bylaw.
As noted in the letter of instruction from Dr. Joyce Locke, Southwestern Public Health medical officer of health, municipal partners and the health unit will take an “education-first” approach, however individuals and corporations who are non-compliant may face fines.
The bylaw does not cover St. Thomas, Aylmer and Dutton-Dunwich which have or are about to pass their own municipal bylaw. St. Thomas is expected to pass a local bylaw when council meets Monday, Aug. 10

