The top doctor in Grey Bruce has now ordered that businesses should require masks indoors for employees and customers for another four weeks.
Dr. Ian Arra says the order means business people must make every verbal effort to require all staff and customers to wear face coverings, but should not outright bar someone from entering if they don't have a mask.
He says businesses must also try to ensure two metres of physical distancing amongst employees and customers, and provide hand sanitizer at the door.
A news release from the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit says the Order may be rescinded, amended or extended by further Order.
The revised Order includes provision for those requiring lip reading by allowing removal of face-covering to accommodate communication with a deaf person.
“The renewed Order will continue to help all of us maintain the safe and successful re-opening,” says Grey Bruce Top Doctor, Dr. Ian Arra. “The community has embraced this measure as a part of their personal routine along with physical distancing and other public health recommendations. There is a great need to continue to do everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Arra adds there is no need for a medical note for not wearing a face covering. Please be aware there is no such thing as a COVID-19 Face Mask Medical Exemption Card or anything similar.
There is an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 as the Provincial Stage 3 re-opening plan includes permitted activities with high contact intensity and that would require significant modifications to maintain public health safety.
Additionally, re-opening of commercial establishments increases 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 renewed Order.