The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is reminding the public about the mandatory masking requirements after several complaints have been received regarding people not following the rules.
RCDHU Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Cushman says the health unit has been notified of various people and settings not adhering to masking requirements.
On January 14th, 2021, the province required all individuals to wear a face covering in indoor areas of businesses and organizations that are open to the public. Wearing a face mask is also recommended outdoors when a physical distance of more than two meters cannot be maintained.
The RCDHU says anyone who that comes within two meters of someone not behind a barrier and not wearing a mask or face covering has to wear a mask and eye protection (this includes food service and personal service workers).
The local health unit is also reminding about the importance of wearing face masks while in break rooms, vehicles or on breaks (even outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained).
The RCDHU says most employers and employees are following COVID-19 safety requirements, but when in a break room, vehicle, or on break there is a tendency to forget about the importance of masking, maintaining physical distance and practicing hand hygiene.
Tickets can be issued to individuals who do not comply with wearing a mask or face covering. Those who do not abide by orders can be subject to fines and/or prosecution under both the Reopening Ontario Act or Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act as applicable.
In addition, stay home if they are sick, avoid contact with people who are ill, wash your hands, use the COVID Alert App, and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment tool or COVID-19 school and childcare screening tool daily.
For more information, visit RCDHU’s website or call 613-732-3629 or 1-800-267-1097.
