Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/July 7, 2020
– Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) continues to work in partnership with local businesses and municipalities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As indicated on July 2, HPEPH strongly recommends that individuals wear face coverings in situations where physical distancing may not be possible. To further support local communities, HPEPH continues to engage in productive discussions with local municipal leaders to identify and respond to community needs.
Under the province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act Stage 2, businesses must operate in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials. To date, such instructions have included requirements for physical distancing, cleaning, disinfecting, and other sector-specific directions. As an additional preventive measure, direction is being provided to businesses/commercial establishments operating in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties that, beginning July 10, 2020 at noon, policies must be in place to ensure that individuals entering indoor commercial premises are wearing non-medical masks/face coverings. Certain exemptions may apply to ensure that no individual is excluded from society if they are unable to wear a face covering (see attached fact sheet).
HPEPH expects to work in partnership with local municipalities and businesses to enforce these requirements “in good faith”. Businesses are being asked to develop these policies to reinforce existing public health recommendations to wear face coverings.
“Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is an additional preventive measure that, when combined with other infection control efforts, will help further reduce the spread of COVID-19,” says Dr. Alexa Caturay, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “Clear policies in commercial establishments will help reinforce use of non-medical masks and face coverings. We are committed to working together with local municipalities and businesses to implement appropriate, proactive, infection control approaches and keep our community safe.”
The complete letter to businesses, frequently asked questions, and well as additional information about how to wear a mask safely, is available on the HPEPH website, hpePublicHealth.ca. The website also includes additional information and answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19. Individuals who still have questions about the order after reviewing web content can call the HPEPH COVID-19 information line at 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803 during regular business hours.
Audio clip for media use: Dr. Alexa Caturay discusses the new requirements for face coverings in commercial spaces.
-30-
Media Contact:
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist etubbs@hpeph.ca
Comments