Niagara's regional council is extending the face-covering by-law, continuting to require visitors to public indoor spaces and establishment to mask up. The by-law was implemented on October 22, and was set to expire on April 1.
In a statement, the council said the by-law will now expire once Provincial requirements are no longer in effect.
The council also said that there are 'a number of exemptions for individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to disability under the Human Rights Code,'
"Many disabilities are invisible, and there is no requirement to prove an exemption. No one should face discrimination because they're unable to wear a mask,' the statement reads.
The by-law provides exemptions for:
- Children under the age of five
- A person who is unable to wear a face covering as a result of a medical condition or a disability
- A person who is unable to remove the face covering without help
- A person who would have their breathing inhibited or restricted by wearing a face covering
- A person while consuming food or drink provided by a business that is permitted to operate
- A person receiving services involving the face
- A person engaged in sport or other strenuous physical activity
- A person while helping or accommodating another person with a hearing disability
- Individuals working in an enclosed public space that isn't open for public access
- Individuals working behind a physical barrier
Niagara Public Health reported 61 confirmed new infections on Friday.
