COCHRANE— Cochrane's mandatory indoor face-covering bylaw has not been activated.
Under the bylaw when the Town reports 10 active cases of the virus, the Director of Emergency Management Stacey Loe has the authority to immediately implement the wearing of face-coverings in all public places.
The bylaw will be deactivated if Cochrane reports 10 cases or below for 14 consecutive days.
A sunset clause amendment has been included in the bylaw to ensure the mandatory masks provision expires on Feb. 1, 2021.
Under the bylaw the Town of Cochrane will focus initially on education— However, those not wearing face coverings could face a $100 penalty.
The bylaw will apply to all indoor public places, including businesses the public has access to. The bylaw does not include premises with enrollment or membership requirements.
Businesses are encouraged to place signage created by the Town to educate the public on the use of face coverings.
Children under the age of five, those with underlying medical conditions or disabilities, those unable to safely place or remove a mask without assistance, those eating or drinking in public spaces, and those participating in fitness activities will be exempt from the bylaw. The temporary removal of a mask when necessary to provide or receive a service will also be allowed.
People who are exempted from wearing a face-covering will not be asked to present proof, Loe said, and can instead declare they fall into one of the exempted categories.
The Town of Cochrane currently has nine active cases of COVID-19.
The story has been updated to include updated information from The Town of Cochrane indicating face coverings would not be mandatory due to the Cochrane-Springbank area reporting 16 active cases. The bylaw is solely based on reported COVID-19 numbers in the Town of Cochrane.
