By Pepper Parr
August 14th, 2020
BURLINGTON, ON
Council, meeting as a Standing Committee yesterday put in a 14 hour day. They got a little silly near the end of the day and items that needed more time got a bit of a bum’s rush.
We are seeing more in the way of delegations – not seeing the delegators actually – we get to hear them only.
Joe Lamb, a one-time aspirant to the job of Mayor, delegated on when a mask has to be worn in condominiums, which did not fall under the Emergency legislation.
City Council wanted those who live in condominiums and apartments to come under the mandatory mask bylaw.
Lamb was more than prepared to cooperate with Council.
In a media release put out this morning we were advised that Condominiums and Apartment Buildings have been added to the Temporary Mask By-law
In an effort to expand protections and reduce transmission of COVID-19, as of Aug. 20, the temporary Mask By-law will apply to most common areas of condominiums and apartment buildings, with the same exemptions effective August 20th.
The temporary Mask By-law, that was originally described as temporary has been extended until Jan. 31, 2021. The By-law can still be rescinded earlier or be extended beyond Jan. 31 2021
The temporary Mask By-law states that masks or face coverings must be worn in enclosed, public spaces including most common areas of condominiums and apartment buildings. Exemptions apply.
Exemptions
The By-law includes exemptions for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons including mental health concerns, children under the age of five and other reasonable accommodations.
Children under five years of age should never be required to wear a mask or face covering.
The By-law also permits the temporary removal of a mask or face covering when receiving services, having a meal or engaging in athletic or fitness activity. The by-law does not apply to child care facilities and schools, employee-only areas and areas that are not enclosed (i.e. restaurant patios).
Adjusting to the mandatory Mask By-law will take some time. Residents are encouraged to be kind and compassionate with each other, and to approach fellow community members who may not be wearing a mask with understanding and offers of assistance, rather than judgement.
For more information about the Mask By-law, visit burlington.ca/masks.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward insists that: “We listened to our residents who have been requesting additional protections for public areas in condos and apartments. We need to use every tool we have to keep our community safe wherever they are. We also thank those buildings in our city who have already voluntarily asked residents to wear a mask in common areas.”
Then there is the matter of “Sphere of Jurisdiction”. Does COB have it? Stay tuned
January 31,2021 Really??!! Wearing masks for almost a month now has not changed numbers drastically. People seem to think they have a mask on they don’t need to social distance. I’m not wearing a mask until possibly January. I’ll take my shopping business elsewhere as of October.
Good to know. In our condo, some do and some don’t. Some argue about it! Now it’s perfectly clear to all and the arguments should end.