Ottawa City Council Votes To Extend Mandatory Mask Law Until 2021
This morning, the city council of Ottawa voted to reinforce mandatory mask by-laws in indoor public spaces until 2021 due to COVID-19.
Originally, the by-law was going to be lifted on October 31, however, the council was in unanimous agreement that the rule should continue to be implemented.
The mayor, Jim Watson weighed in, admitting that there's a fairly good chance of a third extension come January.
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I suspect we'll probably have to extend that beyond the first meeting in January, given the state of COVID now.
The by-law asks that everyone in Ottawa wear a mask while shopping in stores, on public transportation, and in common areas of apartment and condo buildings.
While this may be an easy ask for some Ottawans, there are hefty fines for anyone feeling rebellious.
For simply not wearing a mask in an indoor public space, the fine is $240.
However, the fine for business owners and condo landlords for not enforcing masks with proper signage and providing hand sanitizer in front entrances is $490.
There are some exceptions in place for children and anyone with a medical condition that would cause a mask to impair their breathing.