The Renfrew County and District Health Unit says masks will become mandatory in enclosed public spaces starting on Tuesday (July 14th) next week.
The health unit says the first step towards implementation is a gradual education process that will be further assessed going forward.
Many businesses in the Ottawa Valley have already started putting up signs reminding customers that the face mask or face covering directive is coming into effect.
The RCDHU says some exceptions will be made for children under two (or children under five who refuse to wear a facemask), those with difficulty breathing, medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask, or if you’re unable to remove the mask without help.
The local health unit says as businesses continue to reopen there is an increased risk of a rapid rise in COVID-19 infections and outbreaks as people expand their contacts. The RCDHU adds increasing evidence shows that widespread mask use can help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets from an unknowing infected person to others.
A face mask or covering should securely cover the nose, mouth and chin and come in contact with the surrounding face without gapping. Cloth masks, medical masks and other face coverings such as bandana or scarf are acceptable under the guidelines set out by the health unit.
More details surrounding the new face mask rules can be found on the health unit’s website.
UPDATE: #RCDHU releases local directive for masks/face coverings in enclosed public spaces – effective July 14th. For full details visit: https://t.co/QufLGlrErO. For more info on masks/face coverings and #COVID19, visit: https://t.co/Tp2TWWQkdF. pic.twitter.com/eCqTgxz1J3
— Renfrew County and District Health Unit (@RCDHealthUnit) July 9, 2020
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