Halton Mayors Decide Against Making Masks Mandatory

By: Laura Steiner/ Editor

The Region of Halton is choosing not to follow other municipalities in imposing a mandatory order on wearing masks to help combat COVID-19. The decision was made in a statement by Regional Chairman Gary Carr and all Halton area mayors.

Provincial, and federal policy have both said wearing a mask was voluntary. But it is helpful in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in a closed in space such as a grocery store or public transit. Toronto and Peel have joined the growing list of municipalities that are making it mandatory to wear masks.

“Throughout the pandemic, the Halton community has done an incredible job flattening the curve by taking actions such as physical distancing, washing your hands regularly and staying at home as much as possible and when you are ill. These voluntary actions have produced the good results we are seeing today – lower daily cases, sustained hospital capacity and the ability to reopen parts of our economy,” the statement said As of this morning the region had 754 confirmed cases, 81 probable for a total of 835. 54 remain currently active, while 756 are recovered/ resolved. Halton has had 25 people die from COVID-19.

Mayors are hoping for voluntary compliance. “Please remember that wearing a face covering or non-medical mask is an additional measure that we can all take now to protect ourselves and others, but does not replace other measures. We all need to continue working together to ensure we don’t lose the significant progress we have made as a community.” The Region of Halton does not recommend masks for children under the age of two, those that have trouble breathing, or those who require aid to remove a mask.