Mask use is mandatory in public places
With a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in BC, the provincial government ordered masks to be worn in indoor public places as of late November 2020. Here are some examples of these places:
-
Malls, shopping centres, coffee shops, and retail and grocery stores
-
Liquor and drug stores
-
Airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres
-
Restaurants, pubs and bars
-
Places of public worship
-
On public transportation, in a taxi or ride-for-hire vehicle
-
Common areas of office buildings, courthouses, hospitals and hotels
-
Common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity
-
Common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit groups
Who is exempt from wearing a mask?
People who can’t wear a mask or who can’t put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt. A person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition, or due to a physical, cognitive or mental impairment.
What about kids?
Masks aren’t recommended for children under age two. Health officials encourage them for children aged two-to-11 in public setting, but these children are not covered by the provincial enforcement order. Under that order, people age 12 and older must wear a mask in a public indoor space, unless they’re exempt.
Can I wear a face shield instead of a mask?
No. For the purposes of this order, a mask or face covering is defined as a medical or non-medical mask that covers the nose and mouth. Face shields aren’t a substitute for a mask because there is an opening below the mouth.
BC GUIDES AND LINKS
• COVID-19: Here’s everything you need to know about the novel coronavirus
• COVID-19: Have you been exposed? Here are all B.C. public health alerts
• COVID-19 at B.C. schools: Here are the school district exposure alerts
• COVID-19: Avoid these hand sanitizers that are recalled in Canada
• COVID-19: Here’s where to get tested in Metro Vancouver
• B.C. COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool