COVID-19: Halton Region makes masks mandatory inside public spaces

The Halton Region has approved a motion that will enforce mask use inside public spaces.

The decision came at the latest Halton Regional Council Meeting.

Regional Councillor for Ward 4 Zeeshan Hamid says that the decision to make the bylaw come from the region made sense.

He adds that business in the region has asked for this bylaw to be consistent across the region.

While the Halton Region is enforcing it a little later than most areas, Councillor Hamid says they wanted to get all the facts first.

Regional Councillor for Ward 3 Mike Cluett says that Milton did not oppose masks but rather ensure consistency across Halton.

Inside the report, there is a clear focus on education rather than enforcement, and the bylaw should come into effect within the week.

Councillor Cluett says education will be important for residents.

Some exemptions to the bylaw include, Children under the age of five, those with difficulties breathing or medical conditions that prevent them from wearing or taking off a mask do not need to wear one.

The bylaw will come into effect within seven days.

For the full report, click here.