The first few days of the mandatory policy of face coverings in enclosed public spaces and on public transportation in the district have passed without any major incidents reported.
Following the direction taken by health units across Ontario, by order of the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, as of last Friday, every owner/operator of an enclosed public space is required to adopt a policy for all who enter or remain in their premises to wear a face covering that covers their nose, mouth, and chin.
Exemptions are available for multiple reasons, including medical and age-related reasons.
A verbal reminder should be given to "any person entering the premises without a face covering that they should be wearing a face covering as a result of this mandate," clarifies the Health Unit. "However, if a person who is exempt is reminded to wear a face covering when entering a business, organization, or service; they can simply respond that they are exempt from this policy. They do not need to give any details or provide proof for exemption."
The Health Unit has centralized offices and a much larger presence in both North Bay and Parry Sound than other, less-populated locations in the district. The local health unit's catchment area includes over 120,000 residents, many spread across parts of Nipissing District and all of Parry Sound District in rural and smaller centres areas.
Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, any provincial offence officer — including from the Health Unit, the police, and municipal by-law officers — can enforce the mandatory face covering measures.
How will the OPP, which polices many of those smaller markets, enforce complaints related to face coverings?
"Depending on the circumstances the OPP would investigate each complaint," states Sergeant Carlo Berardi, who coordinates media relations in the OPP's North East. "We would continue with the same actions as we have since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Education first then enforcement."
But, Berardi adds, "police will apply discretion whether to launch any enforcement actions. We hope all Ontarians — business owners and otherwise — will voluntarily comply with the orders."
Meanwhile, the Health Unit says it will continue to practice a "progressive enforcement approach that includes providing educational messaging about public health measures, warnings, and escalating to laying charges when the first actions have failed."
According to the local health unit, the strength of enforcement is up to the local business, organization, or service.
"A business, organization, or service has the right to deny entry to their premises, however implementation of the policy should be enforced in 'good faith' and primarily used as a means to educate people on face covering use in enclosed public spaces," according to the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
For an owner/operator of a business, organization or service with questions about the face covering policy contact Health Unit COVID-19 Call Centre 1-800-563-2808 option 5.
For enforcement concerns:
- about food premises, personal service settings or childcare centres: contact Health Unit 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5400
- all other enforcement concerns: contact local police service non-emergency number
- For concerns in North Bay or Callander, call the North Bay Police Service non-emergency line: 705-472-1234
- For concerns in other areas of the North Bay Parry Sound District (e.g. West Nipissing, Burk’s Falls, Sundridge, Parry Sound), call the Ontario Provincial Police non-emergency line: 1-888-310-1122
Berardi says, for the OPP, "public safety is of the utmost importance. Each circumstance is different and would be investigated. The self-reporting tool is also a great way to file complaints, with certain restrictions. But, always call 9-1-1 for emergencies."
