(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Mandatory Masks

Mandatory face masks at all city owned facilities beginning Friday

Sep 8, 2021 | 8:00 AM

If you put them away it’s time to dig them back out: non-medical face masks will be mandatory in all city owned facilities effective Sept.10.

The decision by Prince Albert city council comes after an increase of COVID-19 cases in the province.

The topic drew a lengthy discussion at Tuesday night’s meeting. Many feel the province is failing in regards to fighting the pandemic, and municipalities are left to fight a battle they should not be in.

“At the end of the day we have to make decisions for the majority of our population,” Mayor Greg Dionne told paNOW after the meeting. “The majority want us to protect them from COVID. Our hospitals are almost at capacity, and we have to take action.

“I am disappointed that it is us taking action and not the province. It’s silly.”

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Early this summer the mayor was pleased with the province’s handling of the pandemic, but after July 11 when restrictions were lifted, he feels they’ve been left alone to continue the battle.

“They just left us,” Dionne said. “There was no encouragement for people to get vaccinated.”

The council discussion included concerns of vaccinated people being ‘held back’ from activities and new restrictions and mandates caused by people who are unvaccinated.

“I ask anyone who is opposed to getting vaccinated or opposed to masks, ‘what are you doing to stop the spread of this disease?’ councilor Dennis Ogrodnick said. “All we ask is something simple. Wear a mask and get vaccinated.

“I also ask my counterparts at the provincial and national level. Let’s get on board with this, and let’s lead. Make masks mandatory across the province. It’s not a huge restriction. It’s not shutting down businesses. It’s stopping the spread of this virus.”

Participants in all sports and aquatic activities at all city facilities, both indoor and outdoor , will be exempt from wearing face masks while competing or practicing their sport or activity.

And what of those who walk into a sporting event, or on the bus and they don’t have a mask with them?

“The answer tonight is they are not allowed to play,” Dionne replied. “The rule is quite clear. You must wear a mask.

“We have both bylaw and police enforcing this instruction.”

The vote was passed by councilors unanimously.

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Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @dawsonthompson8