York's mandatory mask policy necessary measure, reflection of public sentiment: Markham mayor

'We are relying on the goodwill of the public and businesses to get on board'

Yorkregion.com
July 15, 2020

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti says York Region’s new mandatory mask policy for public indoor spaces is necessary to continue to protect public safety and ensure a successful economic recovery.

York Region council voted July 9 unanimously in favour of Scarpitti’s motion tabled June 25, requiring business operators to create a policy to prohibit anyone not wearing a mask from entering their premises, beginning July 17 and ending Nov. 30, with the possibility of an extension.

Operators have one week to create a policy prohibiting entry to the premises of anyone not wearing a non-medical mask.

Exemptions include children under the age of five, people with underlying medical conditions and persons who are unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance.

“The community expects us to do everything we can to ensure public safety and to stop community spread,” Scarpitti said. “As the economy continues to reopen and we move toward recovery, this is a prudent step in that direction.”

He said the move is also a reflection of public sentiment.

“We have been hearing loud and clear that most people want the extra layer of protection that masks offer. Masks work.”

Scarpitti said the onus is on everyone to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19, adding education rather than enforcement will be the principle objective.

“We are relying on the goodwill of the public and businesses to get on board, get masks on and continue the efforts to beat the pandemic. Our collective efforts have made a difference and this is not the time to let our guard down.”

Regional mayors and councillors spent more than four hours discussing the issue in public session and another two in private, hearing legal advice, before voting to endorse a recommendation from the region’s medical officer of health to issue instructions consistent with the approach of other public health units.

More than 90 submissions were presented to council voicing passionate opinions both for and against the measure.

Most council members, however, expressed support for the idea.

It’s time to stop waiting and act, said Scarpitti, adding anti-maskers’ arguments that masks are toxic, or concerns about civil liberties, have all been discounted by experts.

The region will spend between $323,000 to $428,000 on an education campaign, with the medical officer of health, Dr. Karim Kurji, to report back on the progress of implementation July 30.

The region also plans to purchase 300,000 masks for those who can’t afford or access them.

Markham Coun. Joe Li, however, suggested that was not enough.

“There are many who can't put food on the table,” he said, adding Brampton is providing one million masks and York Region can do better.