Face Masks Now Required in ROW Indoor Public Spaces

July 07, 2020, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

At the meeting last night of the Region of Waterloo a unanimous vote held that Face Masks will become mandatory in all public indoor places and all GRT vehicles in the Region as of July 13. This move is in line with public health messaging across Canada of wearing masks indoors and when distancing is not possible and also in line with the growing research which shows that proper mask wearing slows and reduces transmission rates of COVID-19.

We are succeeding in flattening in the curve and to reduce the possibility of a second round of COVID-19 further diligence is required. A look at the global situations shows that in those places where there is consistent and direct public health messaging about how to keep safe there is higher compliance by people, and lower transmission of disease.

Councillors acknowledged that the mask wearing behavior can be embarrassing to some and changing the rules will level the playing field. Once something is mandatory (like seatbelts or motorcycle helmets) the fact is that they simply become part of the routine.

Mask wearing will now be required in:

• All retail and whole sale stores
• Shopping malls
• Laundromats
• Hotels
• Motels
• Municipal buildings
• Churches, Mosques, Temples, and all other places of worship
• Public rest areas and washrooms

They are already required in hospitals, most workplaces, federal buildings and court houses, schools, colleges and universities and employee only areas of buildings are either covered by other regulations or are managed by the institutions themselves.

Wearing a non surgical mask is not required for those who cannot for medical reasons, those who are disabled, and very young children for whom they may pose a danger.

Many large stores such as Costco already have masks available at the door while the GRT is handing them out for free to riders.

Disposable masks are not ideal as they should only be used once. Cloth masks made of three layers of tightly woven cotton can be washed daily and reused. They are available at many locations for free or for free or for a nominal charge. They are also easy to make yourself by sewing, or non sewing with a tshirt, or bandana. The Government of Canada has patterns for all three models here and you can find more ideas on YouTube.

By preventing transmission of COVID-19 we can prevent a second round of the pandemic which has already begun in other parts of the world. In some nations where actions were not taken quickly enough the first round of disease is continuing to take lives.

How to Make a non-sew bandana method face mask

Step 1. Cut a coffee filter horizontally across the middle. Keep the top with the rounded part.

Step 2. Fold a square bandana in half.

Step 3. Put the rounded top of the cut filter in the center of your folded bandana. Fold the top of the bandana down over the filter. Then fold the bottom of the bandana up over the filter.

Step 4. Insert the folded cloth into two rubber bands or hair ties, about 15 cm or 6 in apart.

Step 5. Fold sides to the middle and tuck around the bands or hair ties.

Step 6. Pull the bands or hair ties around your ears.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.