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Editorial: Time to mask up?

Calgary City Council recently approved a bylaw making the wearing of masks mandatory in all indoor public spaces as of August 1.
Powell River Peak editorial
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Calgary City Council recently approved a bylaw making the wearing of masks mandatory in all indoor public spaces as of August 1. Where does our city council sit on this issue?

Several local businesses and establishments are making a plea for masks to be worn in their establishments and, in some cases, refusing service to patrons who choose not to.

Powell River Visitor Information Centre recently put out a notice indicating staff will only serve those who wear masks and use hand sanitizer before receiving service. The Little Barber and afterglow Hair Lounge also require clients to don a mask before entering.

BC Ferries has mandated masks where physical distancing is not possible. BC Transit has launched a contest to encourage people to wear masks and Translink has started a petition to make it mandatory to wear a mask on all public transit.

On a number of occasions, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has also recommended wearing masks in public areas and confined spaces. So why can you go to city hall to purchase a dog licence or conduct any other finance-related business without wearing a mask?

Are we not to be following recommendations of our government officials? Where is the emergency operations centre on this issue? We haven’t heard from anyone in that regard in quite some time, and with the rise in positive case numbers in the province again, it is time we do.

We are required to wear a shirt and pants/shorts to go to a store or restaurant. Why can we not require people to wear masks when in public spaces? Would it really be that bad?