COVID-19 Update: Face Coverings Required at City Facilities and on GOVA Transit

In accordance with instructions by Public Health Sudbury & Districts, residents will be required to wear a face covering or non-medical mask when visiting any indoor City facility or when using GOVA Transit, effective Wednesday, July 8, 2020.

As announced by Public Health, all public transit and business owners and operators in Sudbury and districts must have policies in place to stop people from entering if they are not wearing a face covering. These instructions were issued under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to ramp up efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“I trust the expert advice of our medical professionals at Public Health,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “We continue to have very few new cases in our community, and the requirement for face coverings in indoor establishments will keep us on this track. I want to thank our local businesses for helping keep our community safe, and recognize residents for their individual contributions to keep each other safe and healthy.”

Face coverings or non-medical masks, which can include a scarf or any material covering the mouth and nose, will be required when entering and attending any City of Greater Sudbury facility, such as:

• When boarding and riding GOVA Transit, GOVA Plus and GOVA Zone
• The downtown transit terminal or a bus shelter
• Tom Davies Square and/or 199 Larch Street
• Recycling Depot front counter
• Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter
• When a member of the public is obtaining City services indoors or in-person and physical distancing is not possible or challenging.

Public Health instructions include some exemptions from face coverings, which can be found on their website. Signage stating the requirements for face coverings will be in place on all GOVA Transit buses and at all publicly accessible City facilities. For more information, visit https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/diseases-infections/coronavirus/guidance-for-wearing-non-medical-masks/frequently-asked-questions

Enforcement of Face Covering/Non-Medical Mask Public Health Orders:

Residents who wish to make a complaint regarding a business who does not have a system in place to stop people from entering when not wearing a face covering/non-medical mask, can call 311.

Complaints regarding individuals in businesses not wearing a face covering or non-medical mask should not be reported, as exemptions exist. It is the responsibility of the commercial establishment to ensure they are in compliance with Public Health instructions.

Reminders: Safety Precautions

• The permitted size for a social gathering has increased from five people to 10.
• At outdoor sports amenities, off-leash dog areas, picnic sites, beaches or shelters in parks or recreational areas, physical distancing rules remain in effect and residents must stay two metres away from people who are not part of their household. To report violations, call 311.
• City by-law officers and contracted security will patrol the use of municipal spaces, and signage will be in place to remind users of rules.
• Where there are concerns that people are not practising physical distancing, or where the number of users creates a situation where it is not manageable, the City will further review and implement changes.
• In addition to instructions for commercial establishments, Public Health recommends you wear a non-medical mask as an added step to protect others when physical distancing is challenging or not possible, even if you have no symptoms of COVID-19.

For COVID-19 updates and information related to City services, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/covid, or find us on social media at www.facebook.com/GreaterSudbury and www.twitter.com/GreaterSudbury.

For the most up-to-date local information on COVID-19, visit the Public Health Sudbury & Districts website at www.phsd.ca/coronavirus.

-30-