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Updated: Masks required in all Okotoks indoor public spaces

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Okotoks reached 16 on Oct. 26
Mask Bylaw KC (1)
From left: Elyse Austen, Trish Butler, Becky Webster and Laura Fournier wear their masks inside Austen Jewellers on Oct. 27. The Town of Okotoks' mandatory masking bylaw came into effect Oct. 26. (Krista Conrad/Western Wheel)

Masks are now mandatory in indoor public spaces in Okotoks.

As of 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26, a total of 16 cases of COVID-19 were reported in Okotoks, which brought the Town's mandatory masking bylaw into effect immediately.

The bylaw, which was passed Aug. 17, mandates masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces, including retail stores, eating and drinking establishments, public vehicles such as transit and taxis, entertainment establishments, places of worship, gyms, studios, common areas of hotels, medical clinics and offices with public access, if the Town's total COVID cases reaches 15.

"We require 30 days of being below 15 cases, so it's triggered today and we need 30 consecutive days being below 'watch' status for the bylaw to be no longer in effect, said CAO Elaine Vincent.

Elyse Austen, of Austen Jewellers in Okotoks, put her sign in the window on Oct. 26 indicating masks are required in the store on Elizabeth St. in accordance with the Town of Okotoks bylaw, but said really she could have put up a sign weeks ago.

"We've been wearing masks anyway, just because it's such a small space," said Austen.

She said the store has been careful with COVID-19 precautions not only due to confined space but also because they are handling jewellery and helping people try on items like necklaces or rings, which require being in close proximity to customers. Masks and hand sanitizer have been part of re-opening for Austen Jewellers since June.

Austen said she didn't hesitate to mask up when their eight weeks of closure ended.

"Part of it too was for my dad's (owner Wayne Austen) health," she said. "He's had heart issues in the past and I didn't want to see that turn into respiratory issues."

For the most part, she said customers have been understanding with the regulations the store has put in place, with some opting to put on their masks even before it was mandatory.

"When customers come in they ask if we want them to wear a mask and we were telling them it's their choice, but usually if we said that people would put their masks on," said Austen.

There have been some comments from people who don't believe in masking, and she said that's not likely to stop, especially since the mask bylaw could be difficult to enforce.

Tasha Sailer, general manager of Grand Central Bar and Grill, said the negative comments will be expected with the new bylaw in place.

"There are going to be people who are going to fight it, just because that's the way the world is, but I think people will just get used to wearing the masks," said Sailer.

Her staff has been wearing masks since the restaurant re-opened in the spring, in accordance with Alberta Health Services guidelines, and she said some customers have been choosing to cover their faces when they come in as well.

With the new bylaw, people will be required to wear a mask into any restaurant or bar but can remove them once they are seated at a table. The mask must be put back on to use the washroom or leave the restuarant, she said.

"Basically if you move at all you need to have a mask on," said Sailer.

The Town of Okotoks mandatory masking bylaw excludes children under two years of age, resistant children five years old and under, people with medical conditions or disabilities, and employees not working within public spaces or separated by a physical barrier. Proof of exemption is not required.

An education-first approach is being implemented by the Town and business are not expected to evict customers not in compliance.

Warnings will be issued as necessary, and when deemed necessary fines may be issued in the amounts of $100 for failing to wear a mask in indoor public spaces and $200 for businesses failing to display a sign at indoor public places.

For more information visit www.okotoks.ca.

Krista Conrad, OkotoksToday.ca

 

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