Simcoe-Muskoka’s mandatory mask order came into effect on Monday, requiring face coverings in all indoor public spaces.
By order of the public health unit, people are now expected to wear masks in any indoor public space in Simcoe County and Muskoka District with the exception of children under the age of five, people with certain medical conditions, and those who can’t wear a mask due to cultural or religious reasons.
But on Monday, some Bradford residents noticed many people were still not wearing masks inside stores.
“I have been to a number of stores where people are still not wearing a mask,” expressed local resident Mark Maj. “Store owners are letting them shop so what’s the point of a by-law?”
Business owners were sent a letter from the health unit outlining that the policy should be enacted and enforced in “good faith” and should be used as a means to educate people on mask use in premises where physical distancing can be a challenge.
The policy, however, does not state that any documentation or proof is required for those choosing not to wear a mask.
“Essentially we have to make an effort to enforce it,” said Bonnie Aguiar, owner of Sweet B’s bakery in Bradford, in a Facebook discusion forum. “But you can’t ask anyone to prove it.”
Bradford’s No Frills saw an improvement and willingness to wear a mask from its customers.
“We only had one customer refuse,” noted Peter Reali, owner of Bradford's No Frills. “About 80 percent of customers were already wearing a mask – it does make me feel safer!”
Outside the store, Reali has a hand sanitization station at the front door with free medical grade masks for anyone requiring protection before shopping.
On the other side of town, Walmart saw an influx of customers not wearing masks.
“We have our instructions from head office,” explained an associate from Walmart. “But we did contact the town directly to find out exactly what we should be doing when someone enters the store without a mask - at the end of the day, we can’t refuse anyone entry and can’t force anyone to wear a mask.”
Walmart staff did suggest they were making attempts to gently remind customers about the new by-law, but when met with aggression they dropped the subject.
One resident, Jamie Walter argued that “mandatory masks are against our rights with no debate, vote or any democratic process.”
Another resident, Jim Aiken disputed wearing a mask because it impacted his ability to wear his prescription glasses, stating they “fogged up” while wearing one.
The order stipulated that alternate coverings were acceptable forms of protection, such as bandanas and scarves, so long as the mouth, nose and chin are covered. However, face shields were not included.
With masks and increased hygienic routines, the hope is to limit the spread of the coronavirus, and mitigate a second wave.
