**** HRM Media Release
Response to COVID-19: Non-medical masks mandatory in all indoor public places
A reminder to residents that as per the provincial public health order, non-medical face masks are required in all indoor public places, effective today.
This includes, but is not limited to, municipal buildings, municipal offices, transit terminals and recreation centres, buses and ferries. Across these facilities, masks are required in all common areas, including change rooms, hallways and pool decks.
If you are visiting an indoor gymnasium, multi-purpose centre or recreation centre and are participating in a physical activity where a mask cannot be worn, you can remove your mask for the duration of the activity, but you must wear it at all other times in the facility.
At public pools, you are not required to wear a mask in the pool, but you must wear a mask at all other times in the facility.
Halifax Transit staff will continue to hand out masks periodically, through pop-up events at select locations across the municipality. Times and locations will be announced in advance, via @hfxtransit on Twitter.
Children under 2 are exempt, as well as children ages 2 to 4 when their caregiver cannot get them to wear a mask. People with a valid medical reason for not wearing a mask are also exempt.
In following public health guidelines, access will not be denied, however we ask everyone to follow the order.
The provincial government has information on their website about making and caring for reusable cloth masks, as well as information on where to get a mask if one is not available to you.
For more information on municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit halifax.ca/coronavirus.
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**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Province Announces Mandatory Masks in Indoor Public Places
Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health for Nova Scotia, announced today, July 24, that masks will become mandatory in most indoor public places starting July 31.
“As we open our economy, our schools and our communities, we must continue to be vigilant to minimize the impact of a second wave of COVID-19,” said Premier McNeil. “Wearing a non-medical mask in most indoor public places is a key part of how we protect each other and support our local businesses so they can stay open for the long run.”
Indoor public places include:
— retail businesses
— shopping centres
— personal services businesses such as hair and nail salons, spas, body art facilities, except during services that require removing a mask
— restaurants and bars, except while people are eating or drinking
— places of worship or faith gatherings
— places for cultural or entertainment services or activities such as movie theatres, concerts and other performances
— places for sports and recreational activities such as a gym, pool or indoor tennis facility, except while doing an activity where a mask cannot be worn
— places for events such as conferences and receptions
— municipal or provincial government locations offering services to the public
— common areas of tourist accommodations such as lobbies, elevators and hallways
— common areas of office buildings such as lobbies, elevators and hallways, but not private offices
— public areas of a university or college campus, such as library or student union building, but not classrooms, labs, offices or residences
— train or bus stations, ferry terminals and airports
Children under two are exempt, as well as children aged two to four when their caregiver cannot get them to wear a mask. People with a valid medical reason for not wearing a mask are exempt. Schools, daycares and day camps continue to follow their reopening plans.
People are asked to use their own masks. Government will help with initial supplies of masks for people who cannot bring their own.
“Nova Scotians have made a habit of all the other core public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and now it’s time to also make a habit of wearing a non-medical mask in most indoor public settings,” said Dr. Strang. “I have confidence that Nova Scotians will do the right thing and take care of each other by wearing masks in these settings.”
Quick Facts:
— information about wearing a non-medical mask can be found at http://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/staying-healthy/#masks
Additional Resources:
Government of Canada: http://canada.ca/coronavirus
Government of Canada information line 1-833-784-4397 (toll-free)
The Mental Health Provincial Crisis Line is available 24/7 to anyone experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, or someone concerned about them, by calling 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free)
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
For help or information about domestic violence 24/7, call 1-855-225-0220 (toll-free)
