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NOTE: This article is now archived.
Temporary Mask Bylaw now in effect
December 4, 2020
TEMPORARY MANDATORY FACE COVERING BYLAW NOW IN PLACE FOR
THE TOWN OF PINCHER CREEK
Friday, December 4, 2020
Council for the Town of Pincher Creek passed by majority Bylaw #1628-20: Temporary Mandatory Face Covering today at a special Council meeting.
The bylaw comes into effect immediately.
For the safety and protection of our community, Town of Pincher Creek residents and visitors must wear a face covering or mask at all times in indoor public places and public vehicles, even when physical distancing can be achieved, unless the person is separated from others by an installed screen, shield or other barrier. Exemptions to this bylaw are listed on the website and include, but are not limited to, children under the age of two, individuals with medical conditions, and those who are consuming food and/or drink.
A Frequently Asked Questions document can be viewed below. A printable sign for businesses to post is also available.
Proof is not required if someone has an exemption, unless requested by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Businesses are also not expected to deny services, as not everyone is required to wear a face covering. Failure to wear a face covering where required or failure to display signage may result in a penalty of $100.
The health and safety of our residents and staff is our top priority. The Town of Pincher Creek continues to support Alberta Health officials in managing the pandemic by implementing responsible decisions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to support our community.
For more information please visit www.PincherCreek.ca
PDF OF PUBLIC NOTICE CLICK HERE
Town of Pincher Creek
Temporary Face Covering Bylaw (#1628-20)
Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Face Covering Bylaw – What is expected of me?
For the safety and protection of our community, Town of Pincher Creek residents and visitors must wear a face covering or mask at all times in indoor public places and public vehicles, even when physical distancing can be achieved, unless the person is separated from others by an installed screen, shield or other barrier (for example, Plexiglas).
Where do I have to wear a face covering?
The bylaw mandates that face coverings must be worn in indoor public places, public vehicles and any indoor location where a business or entity is operating including:
- Taxis and vehicles for hire
- Enclosed public spaces
- Grocery stores, retail businesses and malls
- Places of worship
- Town of Pincher Creek facilities including all recreation centres and the Town Hall
The bylaw does NOT apply to the following, though other public health orders remain in effect:
- Private or public post-secondary institutions
- School buildings
- Hospitals
- Daycares or out-of-school programs
What is a face covering?
Acceptable face coverings include a medical or non-medical mask, or other face covering, that fully covers the nose, mouth and chin so as to create a barrier and reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets. This includes a simple cloth mask.
The following face coverings are unacceptable under the terms of the bylaw:
- Neck gaiter
- Neck warmer
- Balaclava
- A face shield which covers the wearer’s eyes and face at least to a point approximately to the tip of the nose and whose predominant function is protection of the eyes
Exemptions
The bylaw will not apply to those who are:
- Under two years of age;
- Unable to place, use or remove a face covering without assistance;
- Unable to wear a face covering by reason of an underlying medical condition or disability or other protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act;
- Consuming food or drink;
- Engaging in physical exercise;
- Providing or receiving care or assistance where a face covering would hinder that caregiving or assistance;
- Alone at a workstation and separated by at least two (2) meters distance from all other persons;
- The subject of a workplace hazard assessment in which it is determined that the person’s safety will be at risk if the person wears a face covering while working;
- Separated from every other person by a physical barrier that prevents droplet transmission;
The bylaw will also not apply to a person who needs to temporarily remove their face covering while in a public place for the purposes of:
- Receiving a service that requires the temporary removal of their face covering,
- An emergency or medical purpose, or
- Establishing their identity.
Please note: Proof is not required if someone has an exemption, unless requested by a Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Businesses are also not expected to deny services, as not everyone is required to wear a face covering.
Face Covering Requirements for Businesses
Every operator of a public place or a public vehicle shall prominently display this sign so it is visible to a person immediately upon, or immediately prior to, entering the public place or public vehicle.
Downloadable Sign (PDF)
A business is not expected to evict a customer or refuse service to people who are not complying with the bylaw.
Enforcement
The Town of Pincher Creek, specifically the Town of Pincher Creek Peace Officers, will be responsible for enforcing the bylaw. The focus of this bylaw is on education first, with enforcement as a last resort option to be deployed only as needed. The approach is largely around communication and education for the public to better understand that wearing face coverings is the right thing to do.
Failure to wear a face covering where required or failure to display signage may result in a penalty of $100.
The health and safety of our residents and staff is our top priority. The Town of Pincher Creek continues to support Alberta Health officials in managing the pandemic by implementing responsible decisions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to support our community.
Read the full bylaw here.
