(file photo courtesy of paNOW)

By Troy Gillard

BYLAW TAKES EFFECT

Face coverings mandatory in Red Deer starting today

Nov 30, 2020 | 6:30 AM

Today is the day Red Deer’s Face Covering in Public Places Bylaw comes into effect.

Passed by city council last Monday, the bylaw makes it mandatory for face coverings to be worn in most indoor public spaces, and in public vehicles, in an effort to help limit COVID-19 spread.

The temporary bylaw has a sunset clause of March 1, 2021.

A violation of the bylaw carries a fine of $50.

“As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Red Deer, and across the province, mandatory face coverings are a temporary measure that could help reduce the number of local cases and hospitalizations in our city,” city officials say.

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As of Sunday, Red Deer had 191 active cases of COVID-19 and has seen 501 total cases through the course of the pandemic.

“This bylaw is about public safety, and our enforcement will reflect that,” says Bart Rowland, City of Red Deer Municipal Policing Services Manager. “Where appropriate, we will have conversations with individuals in an effort to educate, but will also issue fines as needed.”

While Community Peace Officers will be the primary resource tasked with handling mask-related complaints, as well as provincial Public Health Orders, Red Deer RCMP says they are also prepared to respond.

“Regardless of the policing mechanism, harassing behaviour will not be tolerated,” says Superintendent Gerald Grobmeier of the Red Deer RCMP. “We’re asking that everyone cooperate with the safety measures that are in place to protect our most vulnerable community members.”

Complaints regarding masking and other Public Health Order restrictions such as social gatherings and one-third occupancy requirements could result in a ticket ranging from $50 to $1,000. If you have questions about enforcement, or need to report a violation, please call the police non-emergency line at 403-343-5575.

More details on the bylaw, including exemptions, can be found at reddeer.ca/masks.