Latest News

Masks mandatory in city-run facilities as of Nov. 1

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 1:21 PDT, Mon October 26, 2020

After voting in favour of mandatory masks in city-operated buildings at a city council meeting, Richmond will make the policy effective Nov. 1.

“Richmond has some of the lowest COVID-19 rates in Metro Vancouver,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Much of that is attributed to proactive measures such as regularly wearing masks. We want to continue to enhance and protect the safety and well-being of the community by asking everyone who enters a city facility to put on a mask. It is the safe thing to do. It is the right thing to do.”

Masks will be required when entering and while inside city-operated community centres, libraries, arenas and ice centres, Minoru Centre for Active Living, Fire-Rescue facilities and City Hall, as well as the Richmond Olympic Oval. It will also apply to community facilities such as the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Steveston Museum, Richmond Art Gallery and Museum.

While mandatory, exceptions will be permitted for people with sensory, cognitive or physical disabilities; those with chronic health conditions who are unable to wear a face covering; and children age five and under. Customers using a facility for physical activity (i.e. taking a fitness class or swimming) will not be required to wear a mask during their activity but must wear one when entering, leaving and moving around the building.

Mayor Brodie said anyone refusing to comply with the mandate will initially be unable to enter the city facility, although staff will provide them with a disposable mask if they require one. 

“We will not issue fines or tickets to a person who refuses to wear a mask and make it clear that we will not serve them without one,” said Brodie. “Our hope is people will understand the importance of this step and recognize the positive impact it will have on their safety and the safety of others.”

For more information on the mask guidelines, visit richmond.ca/safety/COVID-19/masks. For a current list of City facilities, programs and services available for access and registration, visit richmond.ca/safety/COVID-19/covid-affected-services.

 

See more canada news

See All

See more international news

  See All
© 2024 Richmond Sentinel News Inc. All rights reserved. Designed by Intelli Management Group Inc.