Monday, Oct 26th's COVID numbers were announced and the Town of Okotoks has followed through with their mandatory mask bylaw.

The town announced back in August that should Okotoks reach 15 cases they will invoke a mandatory mask bylaw requiring every person to wear a mask in any public space.

Town of Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson says “the Town needs to protect the health and safety of all residents. Mandatory masks are an additional safety measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve more quickly.”

Public spaces include eating and drinking establishments, public vehicles such as taxis or transit buses, retail stores, places of worship, gyms, common areas in hotels and medical clinics as well as any publicly accessible area.

Children under the age of two will be exempt from the bylaw as well as those with medical conditions or disabilities and employees that are already separated by a physical barrier.

The town has also released its fines.

- $100 fine for failing to wear a mask in an indoor public place. 

- $200 fine for failing to display a sign at indoor public places.

Citizens are encouraged to continue to follow the rules surrounding social distancing; remaining two metres apart, avoiding large groups and washing and sanitizing hands frequently.

Those who are sick are asked to remain at home.

The bylaw will remain in place until the Okotoks area's COVID number remain under 15 for 30 consecutive days.

 

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