Mask & Face Coverings in the Town of Barrhead
UPDATE: On July 1, 2021, masks will NO LONGER be required in Barrhead. Visit the Government of Alberta's website for further clarification and updates surrounding new Health Orders. Guidance documents are available on the Government of Alberta site.
Let's stay safe and healthy together. At the October 27, 2020 Council meeting, Council passed Bylaw 11-2020 providing the Town of Barrhead with a Temporary Mandatory Mask and Face Covering Bylaw to be enacted by resolution of Council at any time. A resolution was never made as the Province moved ahead with mandating masks province-wide.
Status of Mask & Face Coverings at this time: NOT MANDATORY (JULY 1, 2021)
What is a face covering?
- a face covering, which includes masks, fully covers the mouth, nose, and chin
- A face covering can include a medical or non-medical mask, which includes cloth made masks.
- For more information on the types of Personal Protective Equipment available, when they should be sued and how they should fit, visit the Government of Alberta's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Non-medical Masks for Health Care Settings.
- Government of Alberta's Guidance for non-medical face masks for the general public
Watch Dr. Hinshaw explain how to choose the right face covering for wearing in public.
Source: Government of Alberta
When to wear a face covering
For the safety and protection of our our community, on October 27, 2020, Town of Barrhead Town Council passed the Temporary Mandatory Mask & Face Coverings Bylaw that can be enacted when Council deems that mask be worn to protect the health and safety of the community. This bylaw, if enacted, will require face coverings to be worn in all indoor and outdoor public places within the Town of Barrhead when two (2) metre physical distancing cannot be maintained. Public places includes any property accessible by the public (publicly or privately owned). This includes locations such as:
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Entertainment venues
- Recreation centres
This does not include a school or other educational institution, a hospital or other health care facility, senior's lodge, or a child care facility.
Who doesn't have to wear a face covering
Face coverings must be worn by everyone, unless you fall under one of the following exemptions:
- Children under the age of 2,
- Persons unable to place, use, or remove face coverings without assistance,
- People who are eating or drinking while seated in a designated food and rink seating area,
- Persons with underlying medical conditions or disabilities which inhibits their ability to wear a face covering,
- Persons engaged in water activities or physical exercise within designated areas,
- Persons who must remove their face coverings to provide or receive a service,
- Volunteer firefighters while on duty and not in direct contact with the public.
Please note: Proof is not required if someone has an exemption.
Why wear a face covering
The Town is doing everything possible to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community. Wearing a face covering is one of the many important elements in keeping each other safe. Other ways include:
- Staying home if you are experiencing symptoms or feel unwell,
- Maintaining two (2) metres from others not in your household cohort,
- Washing or sanitizing your hands and coughing/sneezing into your elbow or tissue, ensuring you wash or sanitize your hands after doing so.
How to wear a face covering
Source: Government of Alberta