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1. Does the bylaw apply to churches and other places of worship? Is the pastor, leader or other speaker required to wear a mask when speaking?

Members of the public are required to wear face coverings while attending faith-based gatherings inside places of worship. Places of worship are considered a public premises. A person must wear a face covering in a public premises.

If the religious leader, staff, or volunteer leading the faith-based gathering is speaking in a part of the building not accessible to the public, wearing a face covering is optional and at their own discretion. This would, for example, mean a Pastor within his pulpit is not required to wear a face covering while addressing his congregation.

Drop in child programs offered by places of worship are not considered “child care facilities”. All children except those exempt under Section 5H of the Mandatory Face Coverings Bylaw are required to wear a face covering while inside a place of worship.

Bylaw 984-20 – Mandatory Face Coverings Bylaw Interpretation 

Public premises are defined as “all or any part of a building, structure or other enclosed area to which members of the public have access as of right or by express or implied invitation but excludes any premises for which there is an enrollment or membership requirement in order to access it”. Places of worship do not require enrollment or membership to enter the building. They are open to the public through express or implied invitation.

• Section 5H states:
  • 5 H. Persons under two (2) years of age or a person who is under five (5) years of age, chronologically or developmentally, and who refuses to wear a face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver.

2. Is it constitutional to make face coverings mandatory in public places, including private businesses?

The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized the ability of governments to implement public health and other measures necessary during epidemics, natural disasters and other exceptional circumstances.

3. Public health is a provincial responsibility. Why is the city making face coverings mandatory to wear in business places?

In the absence of provincial action, the City of Beaumont is making face coverings mandatory in all indoor public places to help protect the safety of residents and prevent business closures.

4. Am I required to wear a face covering if I have a medical condition or disability?

 The City of Beaumont recognizes not everyone will be able to wear face coverings in every situation. The bylaw provides exceptions for people who are unable to wear a face covering because of a physical or mental health condition or disability and for people w­ho can’t put on ­or remove a face covering without help. It also exempts people who are caregivers for or accompanying a person with a disability when wearing a face covering would make it difficult to provide care for the individual.

Examples can include:
- Caregivers for someone who has a hearing impairment and relies on lipreading to communicate.
- People with an intellectual or development disability, mental health condition or sensory sensitivity.
- People who would have difficulty breathing with a face covering because of respiratory illness.

5. Will I be required to disclose my medical condition if I can’t wear a face covering?

No. Individuals can state that they are exempt and do not need to provide evidence or details of their exemption.

6. As a business owner, am I expected to enforce the bylaw if one of my customers refuses to wear a face covering?

You may refuse service to someone who refuses to wear a face covering and can ask them to leave, although you are not required to. If you continue to encounter difficulties, please contact Beaumont RCMP or Beaumont Municipal Enforcement at 780-929-7435.

7. Why does the bylaw exempt city staff from wearing face coverings at work?

City staff are required to wear face coverings when interacting with the public and when they are not able to physical distance with their co-workers. The city also introduced enhanced health measures in municipal workplaces, including frequent sanitizing of common surfaces, alternative work arrangements, and requiring employees to declare they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not travelled outside the country recently.

8. Why are people not required to wear a face covering when they are participating in physical or fitness activity?

Wearing a face covering during intense physical activity could cause difficulty breathing. When possible, it’s recommended that physical activity takes place outdoors or in a location with greater air ventilation and where it is possible to physical distance from others.

9. Does the face covering requirement apply to child minding services, such as those offered by churches, community organizations, and recreation centres in Beaumont?

Generally, yes. The bylaw requires face coverings in any building or enclosed area that the public can access unless there is an enrolment or membership required to access it. For example, face coverings would be required for drop-off child minding in a church, but not at a licensed daycare where children are enrolled.

10. I’m not sure whether the face covering bylaw applies in my circumstances. What is considered a public premises in the bylaw?

The city’s bylaw requires face coverings in all or any part of a building, structure or other enclosed area where the public has the right to access or an express or implied invitation to access. Examples of places where an invitation is implied include retail and grocery stores, restaurants, and banks.

The face covering requirement does not apply to places where membership or enrolment is needed to enter, though it does apply in common areas the public could access, e.g., lobbies or waiting rooms. For example, face coverings would not be required in the workout area of a members-only gym, however, they would be required by customers at the front counter.