Statement from Mayor Burton regarding anti-mask protest at Town Hall

Proposals to expand the coverage of the Halton Regional mask by-law are on Halton Council’s agenda Wednesday morning.

The Halton Region Council mask By-Law 47-20 covers public and municipal property.

The expansions proposed are for enclosed common areas of condominium and apartment buildings, including lobbies, elevators, laundry rooms and mailrooms.

Halton’s mask by-law was created following the advice and support of Dr. Hamida Meghani, Halton’s Medical Officer of Health. Council debated the measure extensively.

Mask requirements for students in school have been mandated by each respective school board.

Halton Public Health continues assisting school boards with reopening guidelines that are suitable in school settings.

The legal role of the expertise of Halton Public Health and Dr. Meghani is to guide us through the COVID-19 pandemic.

I encourage residents and visitors to adhere to the by-laws and anti-virus safety practices for everyone’s safety.

In light of the recent trend of an uptick in coronavirus cases, now is the time to follow all Public Health advice, including staying home when you’re unwell, washing and sanitizing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, maintaining a physical distance from others and wearing a mask.

Following my three Cs of COVID-caution can also help: avoid crowded places, closed spaces and close-contact settings.