County of Grande Prairie Council voted on Monday (Sept. 14) to keep the use of masks voluntary. 

Reeve Leanne Beaupre says that while council supports the recommendations of Alberta Health on wearing masks, they will leave it up to individuals and businesses to decide whether or not to use them. 

“We recognize there are strong opinions on either side of this issue, particularly around the effectiveness of masks. According to Alberta Health, although nonmedical masks do not stop the virus completely, cloth masks, when worn and cared for properly, can be an effective barrier to prevent droplets travelling into the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. For this reason, Council does support voluntary wearing of masks, particularly in public spaces where it may be difficult to maintain a distance of two metres.” 

The Reeve reminds residents to follow the mask requirements businesses have been in place and says Council will support any business who decides to put requirements because of an increase in cases.  

“The past few months have been stressful for many, and there is still uncertainty of what is yet to come. We can take pride in how we have managed to minimize the spread of COVID-19 so far, and that is due to the concerted effort of everyone in our community.” 

Reeve Beaupre encourages everyone to keep washing their hands, stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes, social distance, and wear a mask in public. 

“County Council encourages everyone to work together and made the right choices to protect each other.”