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Transition to new face mask rules begins in Fernie
By Erin Knutson
The City of Fernie is transitioning to updated safety policies for recreational and indoor facilities in response to rising COVID-19 numbers in B.C., after Monday’s (Nov. 9) regular council meeting.
“We are seeking direction from council to update a safety plan. As we continue opening facilities, we watch numbers increase across the province, across Canada, and worldwide. Staff recommends that it makes the most sense at this time to update our policy to require members of the public, just like staff, to wear masks in public facilities,” said city Chief Administrative Officer Michael Boronowski.
With rules from Dr. Bonnie Henry changing, Boronowski asserted that the transition wouldn’t happen overnight, as they continue to formulate processes for the public.
“The recommendation requires patrons to wear a mask in entryways and common areas indoors unless otherwise specified,” he said.
See restrictions here – item 8.1
Councillor Kyle Hamilton moved the recommendation. It was seconded by Coun. Morgan Pulsifer and followed by the council’s unanimous decision to instate the new requirement.
Mayor Ange Qualizza spoke on the importance of championing safety during the crisis.
“As numbers are increasing, we need to find more creative ways to become a COVID-19 champion,” she said after observing initiatives by organizations like the College of the Rockies.
According to Mayor Qualizza, the college has created attractive banners to educate and remind the public to continue safety measures, explicitly outlining the golden rules of proper etiquette for the pandemic.
“Hopefully, we can print a couple and move them around to key locations,” she said.
The banners simulate festival promotional materials and would be an asset to curbing the virus’s spread while providing a friendly resource to the community.
As time has progressed and restrictions have relaxed, the onus is on the public to respect advancing safety measures and observe new rules as the pandemic unfolds.
Mayor Qualizza urged the public to get back to the roots of COVID-19 prevention.
“Consider the beginning of COVID-19, where two metres and a mask was standard – it’s time to get back to the basics, and this is a step in the right direction,” she said.
Lead image: A request on a downtown Fernie business door. Carrie Schafer/e-KNOW photo
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