With a current rate of more than 300 active cases of COVID-19 per population of 100,000, Chestermere City council passed a temporary mandatory mask bylaw at its Nov. 17 regular meeting. The bylaw, which will remain in effect so long as Chestermere is placed under "enhanced" status by Alberta Health Services, will require residents and visitors to wear a face-covering at all times while in an indoor public space, public workplace or public vehicle where other people are present.
According to Mayor Marshall Chalmers, the bylaw was passed after council members received "an overwhelming number of emails and comments" from residents asking for further action from the municipality to protect the community, as cases of the virus continue to rise.
“We are aware that mask use has become somewhat of a divisive issue, not only among our residents but all around the world,” Chalmers said in a press release. “But ultimately, the evidence shows that masks can protect the wearer and those in proximity to that person.
"Therefore, as the safety, welfare and the health of our residents is the most important issue, we must do whatever we can to combat the rapidly increasing infection rates in our province and in our own community.”
The move comes after similar bylaws were passed or enacted in Airdrie and Cochrane.
As of Nov. 18, Chestermere has 63 active cases of COVID-19, in a city of approximately 21,000 people. In the past month, the number of cases has grown by more than 40 since Oct. 17.
According to the City's press release, the mask bylaw does not apply to educational facilities, health care facilities, child care centres and areas where physical barriers or physical distancing practices have been properly implemented.
Those exempt from the rule include people under the age of two years old, those who are unable to use or remove a mask without assistance and those unable to wear a mask due to mental or physical concerns or limitations.
Under the bylaw, people are allowed to remove their mask when they are engaged in physical exercise, water-based activities or services that require the temporary removal of a face-covering. Those consuming food or drink in designated seating areas, such as a restaurant, or those taking part in a religious or spiritual ceremony, do not have to wear a mask during those activities. People providing care or assistance to a person with a disability, where a face covering would hinder that caregiving or assistance, are also exempt.
“We take the recent call to action from [Premier Jason Kenney] and [chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw] seriously, and in addition to now mandating mask use, we are asking people to limit their gatherings, practice physical distancing, and continue with other COVID-safe practices such as staying home when sick, and washing and sanitizing your hands frequently,” Chalmers said. “We want our indoor sports, fitness activities, businesses, faith groups, and our local organizations to be able to go back to normal as soon as possible, and we need your help to do that.”
City peace officers and the RCMP will enforce the bylaw, according to the City. Anyone found to contravene the bylaw will be subject to a $100 fine.
