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Policies for Recovery: Mandatory Masks?

7/16/2020

 
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The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce recently reached out to its membership on the subject of a mandatory mask policy for Peterborough.  The Peterborough Chamber represents over 900 businesses of all sizes and industries in both the city and county.  Peterborough Public Health is continuing discussions on the topic and we saw an opportunity to hear directly from the business community on the issue.

The survey was sent out earlier this week and in less than 24 hours over 200 responses came in.
  • 69% of respondents were in favour of a mandatory mask policy
  • 30% of respondents were not in favour of a mandatory mask policy 

In addition to the yes or no question, we asked, “why or why not” and received over 170 written responses.  In reading through the responses various themes emerged as to why such a policy should or should not be considered.  Some of the responses also outlined the issue and brought to light further concerns.

For those who were in favour of a policy the themes behind their reasoning included:
  • Community protection/ Prevent the spread of the virus
  • Consumer confidence
  • Protect workers and customers
  • Contain the virus and help the economy
  • Continuity of practice from business to business
  • Avoid a second wave
  • Reduce liability

For those who were not in favour of such a policy their reasoning included:
  • Science doesn’t prove masking is an effective practice
  • Hard to communicate
  • False sense of security
  • Concern marginalized will be negatively impacted
  • Other methods already in place (e.g. plexi-glass shields)
  • Differences between industry – a blanket rule is difficult
  • Concern about enforcement (business vs. customer)
  • Environmental concerns (more garbage)

There were a number of respondents who indicated that they would rather have a choice because:
  • Numbers are low
  • Loss of choice could add to anxiety and other conditions

There were some responses that offered further commentary on the topic:
  • Small businesses may be disadvantaged because of the lack of a policy – unlevel playing field
  • Medical reasons not to wear a mask
  • Timing too late (should have happened at the beginning of Phase 2)

Respondents identified themselves as being from varying sectors of our economy.  However, there are a few interesting takeaways from the sectoral breakdown.   

Our Health Care and Wellness members were evenly divided on whether or not a mandatory mask policy was required.   

Our members in the Business and Professional Services category were overwhelmingly in favour of a mandatory mask policy.  The same sentiment continued through the Shopping and Specialty Retail and Real Estate and Construction members.

In fact, none of the membership groups were wholly against a mandatory policy.

COVID-19 Business Resource Portal
Evan
7/20/2020 09:26:32 am

How does this work in regards to gyms? Are members having to wear masks “during” their workouts?

Peterborough Chamber
7/20/2020 04:56:40 pm

Hi Evan,
This is from Peterborough Public Health:

A person shall be exempt from wearing a face covering in the establishment if:

c. Wearing a face covering would inhibit the person’s ability to breathe such as, but not limited to, during athletic, fitness or physical activity or any activity that would preclude its use (such as swimming);

Here's the link to the full document: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/200720-PPH-Mandatory-Mask-Directive.pdf

Richard LeClair
7/20/2020 04:29:56 pm

What about health concerns?
Who is going to be accountable or liable for carbon monoxide poisoning increase and lack of oxygen on healthy people due to the mask wearing?

Human Rights Matter and can not be rewritten into new politics.

Masks should not be mandatory.

Peterborough Chamber
7/20/2020 05:00:29 pm

Thanks for reading our article about our Mandatory Mask Survey Results.

Earlier today (Monday, July 20, 2020) Peterborough Public Health released a directive for mandatory face coverings starting August 1, 2020.

Here's the link to the information released today by Peterborough Public Health:
https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/peterborough-public-health-announces-mandatory-face-coverings-in-certain-local-indoor-settings

And another good resource from the Ontario Human Rights Commission:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/covid-19-and-ontario%E2%80%99s-human-rights-code-%E2%80%93-questions-and-answers


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    • Financial Support Programs
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    • Government Responses
    • Workplace Guidelines
    • Wellness Support
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    • Rapid Screening Kits
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    • #lovelocalptbo campaign
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    • Power Hour 2023
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  • #lovelocalptbokawarthas sponsors
  • Canadian Digital Adoption Plan
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