Brampton, ON (June 30, 2020) – Today, Peel’s Medical Officer of Health and Mayors of Brampton, Mississauga and the Town of Caledon announced plans to explore measures, such as a temporary by-law, that would require residents to wear a non-medical mask inside public spaces to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Peel Public Health already strongly supports the use of non-medical masks where distancing is not possible and on transit. A time-limited, broader bylaw mandating when and where non-medical masks must be used further strengthens these recommendations and protects Peel residents,” said Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, Region of Peel. “Together with the other Core Four behaviours of physical distancing, handwashing, getting tested and staying home if sick, more consistent use of non-medical masks by all residents in public spaces will help drive down cases and bring this first wave to a close in our community.”
Peel and its area municipalities in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga join several other municipalities across Ontario weighing the issue of mandatory non-medical masks. They will continue to work together to develop the best approach to regulate masks in enclosed public areas across the region. Measures will be considered at upcoming Council meetings in July.
“Wearing a mask can serve as a visual reminder that these are not ordinary times, encourage the practice of the Core Four behaviour, and protect others,” says Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair, Region of Peel. “We have a handle on COVID-19 transmission right now. But the virus is not gone. We must continue to stop its spread and masks will help us do just that.”
Residents are reminded that masks must be worn properly. Wash your hands before and after you put on and take off a mask. Ensure the mask covers your nose and mouth completely. Do not touch the mask or otherwise move it until you are ready to remove it completely. If disposable, ensure that it is disposed appropriately once removed; reusable masks should be washed with regular laundry once removed.
Residents should also continue to practice physical distancing and wash their hands frequently. Get tested and stay home if you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 or were exposed to someone who does.
For the most up-to date information on COVID-19, check peelregion.ca/coronavirus
The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
Quotes from the mayors
We need to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Wearing a non-medical mask in public spaces will do just that by keeping others safe. Follow Peel Public Health and the Government of Ontario’s guidelines on how to properly wear, fit, remove, and clean your non-medical mask to promote health and safety for all.
Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
Wearing a mask when in a public space has been proven to be effective in stopping the spread of COVID 19. As a Region we are coming together to protect the health of our residents and communities.
Allan Thompson, Mayor, Town of Caledon
We may be done with the pandemic, but it is not done with us. We need to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to reduce the severity of a second wave in the fall. Mandatory masks in indoor settings are something our residents have been asking for; together with the other Core Four behaviours, this will allow for a wider reopening of businesses.
Bonnie Crombie, Mayor, City of Mississauga