The Northwestern Health Unit is hoping to see a 90% to 95% compliance rate of wearing masks or face coverings.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young-Hoon says she recognizes that not everyone can wear a mask when out in enclosed public spaces because of medical reasons, age or illness.
However, she notes there is evidence that high compliance rates actually have a benefit to the entire population in reducing COVID-19.
Young-Hoon says individual businesses and organizations should use common sense when enforcing their mask policy.
She stresses the health unit isn’t asking businesses and organizations to take any action that might put their staff at risk of a physical confrontation.
A Health Unit release says “Privately-owned businesses can legally refuse to serve anyone for any reason that does not contravene the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, or other legislation. Organizations may have additional restrictions on when and how they can refuse service.
It goes on to say “The persons who are exempt from wearing a mask or face covering as defined in the Letter of Instruction are covered under the Accessibility for Ontarians Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, or other legislation. Those exempt from the policy should not be refused service, and NWHU also recommends that people not be asked to provide proof of exemption. NWHU says that the policy should be implemented and enforced in ‘good faith’ and should be used as a means to encourage and educate people about mask or face covering use in enclosed public spaces.”
Young Hoon says although they have no hard data she believes a majority are following the rules.
She adds businesses they’ve spoken with also have no issues with having people wear masks.