The Town of Whitecourt has announced the face coverings are now mandatory in all indoor, enclosed public spaces and public vehicles.

The Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings Bylaw 1560 was triggered by the Town going into “watch” status according to Alberta Health Services. It will remain in effect until 30 days after the watch status is lifted.

The Town says, “The practice of wearing a face covering or mask will complement other prevention and public health measures that the Town of Whitecourt has been promoting to the community, including: physical distancing, cohorting, good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and increased cleaning of surfaces.”

Information for businesses, including posters that can be printed and displayed at store entrances, and frequently asked questions for all community members are available online.

Schools, post-secondary institutions, daycares and childcare centres governed by the Child Care Licensing Act, hospitals and health care facilities are not affected by the bylaw.

Exceptions to the requirement:

  • Children that are 5 years old and younger;
  • People unable to wear a face covering due to a mental or physical concern or limitation, or protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act;
  • People consuming food or drink in designated seating areas or as part of religious or spiritual ceremony;
  • People engaged in water activities or physical exercise;
  • People providing care or assistance to a person with a disability where a face covering would hinder that caregiving or assistance;
  • People engaging in services that require the temporary removal of a face covering;
  • Areas exclusively accessed or used by the Public Place’s employees or a Public Vehicle operator, provided that physical barriers or physical distancing practices are implemented between any person not required to wear a face covering by operation of this exception and any other person.