NIPAWIN — Effective immediately, all employees and public are required to wear a mask or face covering within town-owned facilities such as the Evergreen Centre, town office and skating rinks.
The policy, passed at council’s Sept. 13 meeting, is a response to the increasing cases of COVID-19. It is set to be reviewed again on Oct. 12.
As of Sept. 14, the North East 1 subzone had 112 active cases with a daily increase of 15.
The subzone includes Arborfield, Aylsham, Carrot River, Choiceland, Codette, Cumberland House, Love, Nipawin, Smeaton, Tobin Lake, White Fox and Zenon Park.
The policy is being implemented with what the town is referring to as a “good faith” approach, serving to primarily educate people on masks and face coverings and promote their use in town-owned spaces.
Under the “good faith” approach, persons with exemptions are not required to show proof.
“We are looking out for the public safety of all of the residents of our community and area, that’s what we’re keeping in mind front and centre,” said Rennie Harper, Nipawin’s mayor.
“Anything that we can do to try to reduce the numbers we should try to do, that’s how we, collectively as a council, went into this.”
Exceptions include children under the age of two; children under the age of five who refuse to wear a mask and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver; individuals who cannot wear or remove a mask without assistance; and employees who are in an area of the facility that is not designated for public access or are alone in the space.
Individuals living with medical conditions such as cognitive impairment, development challenges, breathing difficulties, hearing or communication difficulties and other mental health conditions are also exempt.
Temporary removal of masks is permitted when actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity as determined by an athletic organization; consuming food or drink; and for any emergency medical purpose.
Individuals entering or remaining without a mask or face covering will be given a verbal reminder of the policy’s masking requirement.
