New rules for mandatory masks, dining in at restaurants start today

'It has been a learning process,' says one Newmarket business owner of York Region’s requirement for mandatory masks in enclosed public spaces

Newmarkettoday.ca
August 10, 2020
Deborah Kelly

York Region’s requirement for mandatory masks in enclosed public spaces is expanding to include lobbies and common areas in apartment and condominium buildings today.

Medical officer of health Dr. Karim Kurji said masks or face coverings must be worn in shared spaces in condominiums, apartments and any multi-resident locations as of Friday, Aug. 7.

The region’s mandatory mask requirement came into effect Friday, July 17 for enclosed public spaces, with some exemptions, including for patrons dining in restaurants or bars.

According to one informal survey conducted by York Region Public Health, compliance to the face covering mandate is high.

Public health inspectors conducted an informal survey of customers as they entered malls in Newmarket, Vaughan and Markham on July 24.

Of the 1,000 people observed at Upper Canada Mall, Vaughan Mills Mall and Markville Mall, more than 98 per cent wore masks or face coverings, according to York Region spokesperson Patrick Casey.

Municipal bylaw officers and public health inspectors are following up with community inquiries to ensure business operators and the community at large understand and comply with the mandate, he added.

Many Newmarket business owners also find themselves creating awareness about the mask requirements, with most displaying signs at their doorways stating masks or face coverings must be worn on entering the premises.

Customers at Cardinal Press Espresso Bar on Newmarket’s Main Street are greeted with an additional sign posted on the door: “If you do not have a mask, we can provide you with one for $0.50. Masks are mandatory in store, for our safety and yours. We have zero tolerance for rudeness on the matter.”

“It has been a learning process,” acknowledged Omar Saer, co-owner of the popular cafe. “We’ve been doing a lot of education,” he added, not only about wearing face coverings -- correctly, with nose actually covered -- but for maintaining physical distance when possible.

“A lot of people seem to think everything is back to normal the more things open,” he said.

While the majority of customers are now aware of the requirement and are willingly wearing masks, Saer said, “now and again” some object to the restrictions.

“I’m telling them I have nothing to with it, but I do have to enforce it -- every business does. I have to protect my staff and anyone who comes in here.”

Also coming into effect today, Aug. 7, is the province’s regulations that now require patrons who dine in at restaurants, bars and on boat tours to provide contact information, Kurji said, and that they are to remain seated except for going to the washroom or picking up take-out.

The personal details will be used for contact tracing should a positive COVID-19 case occur among patrons or employees, and will be kept on file for 30 days.

“COVID-19 is still around,” Kurji said, encouraging residents to follow masking, physical distancing and hand washing guidelines.

“Keep your social gatherings small,” he added.