
Mike Licht / CC
British Columbians who do not wear a mask as required by new regulations could be fined $230.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the measures under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) have been aligned with Provincial Health Officer’s guidelines that masks must be worn in indoor public places, a move which came into effect on Nov. 19.
“We’ve entered a second wave of COVID-19 in British Columbia and additional steps need to be taken to protect our health,” Farnworth said. “Now more than ever, we all need to follow the guidelines of [Dr. Bonnie Henry] who last week provided guidance that masks should be worn in all indoor public places.”
“This new order under the EPA will ensure we have the tools necessary to enforce the mask mandate as recommended by the Public Health Officer.”
Farnworth says people can be also fined $230 if they refuse to leave a public place or if they are abusive towards or refuse to comply with the direction of an enforcement officer.
“Education is key, which is why we’re having businesses review their plans and getting the word out to communities in several languages,” Farnworth added.
“Businesses should provide signage on the mandatory mask policy and inform customers about the requirement. Of course, despite any range of efforts, some people will break the rules knowing full well what they’re doing. These measures give police and other enforcement officials the tools to intervene with and penalize problematic individuals and groups.”
All British Columbians over the age of 12 have to wear a mask in indoor public places including malls, grocery stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, on public transit, in civic facilities like libraries and community centres, in places of worship, at restaurants and bars except while seated at a table, and in common areas of office buildings, hotels, universities and other similar facilities.
Farnworth anticipates there will be more orders to enforce requirements in common areas of apartment buildings, condos, and workplaces.
Under this order, the province says a mask is defined as a medical or non-medical mask that covers the nose and mouth. Face shields do not count as there is an opening below the mouth. Further, people who can’t wear a mask or if they’re unable to put on or remove a mask on their own due to psychological, behavioural, physical, cognitive, or mental impairment are exempt from the order.
This announcement comes as B.C. reported a staggering 941 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 new deaths. The COVID-19 provincial state of emergency has also been extended another two weeks to Dec. 8.
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