British Columbians can now be hit with a fine if they don’t wear a mask while indoors in a public setting.
The B.C. government announced early Tuesday evening that individuals can now be fined $230 if they do not wear a mask while in indoor public spaces.
Masks are required to be worn in indoor public spaces by those ages 12 and over.
Indoor public spaces include malls, shopping centres, coffee shops, retail and grocery stores, liquor and drug stores, airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres, restaurants, bars and pubs, and places of worship.
The new measures are being implemented under the province’s Emergency Program Act.
“We’ve entered a second wave of COVID-19 in British Columbia and additional steps need to be taken to protect our health,” Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety and solicitor general, said in a release.
Masks or face coverings are defined by the province as “a medical or non-medical mask” that can cover the nose and mouth.
Under the new measures, those who cannot wear a mask or those who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others are exempt.
“Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places to identify the individual wearing the mask, to consume food or beverage at a location designated for this purpose, while participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sport facility or while receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed,” the province said.
More to come
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