Despite the rules around COVID-19 being eased on July 1 across B.C., the City of Richmond will still require people to wear masks in its indoor facilities.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced earlier this week that the wearing of masks at indoor facilities is now only “recommended” from July 1, as part Step 3 in B.C.’s restart plan.
The city implemented a mandatory mask requirement in all its indoor facilities on Nov. 1 last year, just before the provincial mandate.
In a statement released Wednesday morning, the city said that, although indoor mask wearing is only “recommended” rather than mandatory, the “city will continue to maintain the mask requirement for now in keeping with council’s commitment to community safety during the pandemic.”
As such, masks will continue to be required when entering and inside common areas of community centres, libraries, arenas, pools, Minoru Centre for Active Living, the Cultural Centre, heritage sites, fire-rescue facilities and City Hall, as well as the Richmond Olympic Oval.
The city release added that, while mask wearing remains mandatory, exceptions will be permitted for people with sensory, cognitive or physical disabilities; those with chronic health conditions and/or who are unable to wear a face covering; and children age 12 and under.
Customers using a facility for physical activity (i.e. taking a fitness class or swimming) or a program/class will not be required to wear a mask during their activity.
However, they must continue to wear one in common areas of a building such as the main lobby, hallways, change rooms, stairwells and elevators.
Along with the required wearing of masks, the city said its safety plans and protocols remain in place at the various city-operated facilities.
These includes physical distancing, safety barriers and other procedures based on the location, service and activity.
For more information on the mask guidelines, visit richmond.ca/safety/COVID-19/masks.
