Rules for Mandatory Mask By-law
The Sarnia Primary Control Group (SPCG) met via teleconference on July 29, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. regarding developments related to COVID-19.
A By-Law to impose temporary regulations requiring the use of masks or face coverings in public indoor spaces in the City of Sarnia will take effect Friday, July 31, 2020. The new By-law requires a mask or face covering to be worn in all enclosed publicly accessible spaces in the city, including all City of Sarnia facilities and Sarnia Transit busses. To view the By-Law click here: https://www.sarnia.ca/app/uploads/2020/07/by-law-1.pdf
Some individuals are exempt from wearing a mask. Please remember that not all reasons for exemption are visible.
The By-law exempts:
· Children under five years of age
· Persons with an underlying medical condition or disability which inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering;
· Persons who are unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance
· Employees or agents of the establishment within an area designated for them and not publicly accessible, or in an area separated by a physical barrier
· Persons who are reasonably accommodated by not wearing a mask or face covering in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code
· Persons in an establishment, while receiving services requiring the removal of the face covering, including but not limited to eating or
drinking, or while actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity
· Persons within an establishment, while participating in a religious service, for rituals which require an uncovered mouth
Sarnia-Lambton has seen an increase in positive COVID-19 cases reported over the last week. Residents are reminded to continue practicing public health protection measures including physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, staying home when sick and wearing a mask where required or where physical distancing is not possible. For more information on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 visit Lambton Public Health: https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/2019-novel-coronavirus/
Today the City launched a comprehensive webpage to provide guidance to residents and business owners/operators regarding the new Mask By-Law. For more information please visit: https://www.sarnia.ca/mask-bylaw/
Business owners are encouraged to visit our website for downloadable signage, frequently asked questions, and the Mask By-Law: https://www.sarnia.ca/business-owners-operators-faqs/
Business owners/operators are not expected to engage in confrontations with members of the public who are not wearing a face covering. We suggest business owners/operators politely remind patrons of the By-law requirement.
Businesses also have the right to create additional standards over and above this by-law,
Business owners/operators are not expected to engage in confrontations with members of the public who are not wearing a face covering. We suggest business owners/operators politely remind patrons of the By-law requirement.
Businesses also have the right to create additional standards over and above this by-law, pursuant to the Trespass to Property Act and their responsibilities under the Occupier’s Liability Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Business owners and staff are not expected to question members of the public not wearing a mask or face covering in their establishment. Customers are not required to provide proof of an exemption. Businesses have the right to create additional standards over and above the Mask By-Law.
A mask or face covering includes a face shield that covers the mouth, nose, and chin. Additionally, a mask or face covering includes a bandana or scarf, that fits securely to the head and is large enough to completely cover the mouth, nose and chin without gapping. Residents must supply their own face covering. Some business owners/operators will supply masks but they are not required to do so.
Residents must supply their own face covering. Some business owners/operators will supply masks but they are not required to do so.
CitisenCResidents are responsible to supply their own mask or face covering. Some business owners/operators may choose to supply or sell masks but they are not required to do so. Residents are encouraged to visit our website for information on how to properly wear a mask: https://www.sarnia.ca/proper-use-of-mask-or-face-covering/. Residents must supply their own face covering. Some business owners/operators will supply masks but they are not required to do so.Residents must supply their own face covering. Some business owners/operators will supply masks but they are not required to do so.
If you are attending City Hall and do not have a mask, one will be provided while supplies last. Beginning July 31, 2020, and continuing for a short duration, a limited supply of masks will be available on Sarnia Transit busses at no additional charge.
On August 3, 2020, in recognition of the Civic Holiday, Sarnia City Hall will be closed and Sarnia Transit will not be operating. The garbage collection will take place on August 3 as scheduled.
Starting August 4, 2020, Sarnia Transit will move to a modified bus service. Additional information is available online: https://www.sarnia.ca/transit-updates/
As of 9:30 a.m. on July 29 the SPCG can report that:
Summary of COVID-19 cases in Lambton County Test Results Received (as per last available daily update)
16,611
Percent of Test Results Positive
1.8%
Confirmed Cases
299
Recovered Cases
263
Number of Related Deaths
25
Active Cases
11
Current Active Outbreaks
0
Resolved Outbreaks
9
By-Law Enforcement COVID-19 Reporting System
Total number of complaints and inquiries received
1,269
Total number of emails received
1,050
Total number of phone calls received
219
Total number of fines issued
5
Throughout the pandemic, stay up to date with the City’s latest response efforts by frequently checking https://www.sarnia.ca/covid-19/. Please visit the City’s website www.sarnia.ca, Facebook, and/or Twitter for additional updates.