Staff
Face coverings will be required in indoor public spaces in Grey and Bruce counties as of Friday, July 17.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra, is ordering all Commercial Establishments in Grey Bruce, to the fullest extent possible for all the following, that they:
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ensure effective measures are in place to maintain physical distancing of two metres amongst all employees and clients;
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ensure the availability of alcohol-based hand rub at all entrances and exits; and,
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make the best effort (verbal) to restrict persons from entering the premises or remaining within the premises if not wearing a face covering. Turning away or refusing a customer is not required under this Order.
The order comes into effect with the provincial Stage 3 opening on Friday, 17th day of July, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time and shall remain in effect for four weeks (being 28 calendar days) from that time. The order may be rescinded, amended or extended by further order, and is made pursuant to Section. 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H. 7 as amended.
“The Order will help all of us in maintaining the safe and successful re-opening,” explained Grey Bruce top doctor, Dr. Ian Arra. “This Order could be used by businesses as a tool to assist in the challenging situation generated by some customers asking the proprietor to address the lack of use of masks by other customers.”
Dr. Arra noted that there is no need for a medical note for not wearing a face covering, and he advised that “there is no such thing as a COVID-19 Face Mask Medical Exemption Card or anything similar.”
While the re-opening of certain sectors of the economy remains a priority, there is a great need to continue to do everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“There is increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 as the Provincial Stage 3 re-opening plan will include permitted activities with high contact intensity and that would require significant modifications to maintain public health safety. Additionally, re-opening of commercial establishments will increase the frequency of contact and limit opportunities for physical distancing. The risk of cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 in Grey and Bruce Counties increase without adequate preventative measures as identified in the order.”
