‘The simple act of wearing a mask in all indoor public spaces means we are protecting the health and safety of our families, our communities and the most vulnerable in our territory’
Yukon is requiring both residents and non-residents who are in the province to wear a medical or non-medical mask that covers the mouth and nose in public indoor workplaces and spaces effective Dec. 1.
“By implementing this mask mandate, we are asking Yukoners to do the right thing,” said Premier Sandy Silver. “The simple act of wearing a mask in all indoor public spaces means we are protecting the health and safety of our families, our communities and the most vulnerable in our territory. Please continue to practise the Safe 6and mask up.”
Masks are now required to be worn by everyone five years and older in:
- shopping centres and retail businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and clothing stores;
- service businesses;
- locations that provide personal services or health care provider services;
- restaurants, bars and other places selling food or drink;
- places where non-profit organizations provide goods or services to the public;
- conference centres, community centres and community halls;
- indoor common areas of:
- office buildings;
- government buildings (other than a school);
- multi-unit residential buildings;
- hospitals;
- hotels, bed and breakfasts and rental cabins; and
- Yukon university campuses.
- entrances of daycare centres and day homes
Recently, British Columbia revised measures under the Emergency Program Act (EPA) to align it with the provincial health officer’s (PHO) guidance that medical or non-medical masks that cover the nose and mouth must be worn in indoor public places. In October, Ontario required the use of face coverings in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces.
Wearing of masks is also required on public transportation, in taxis, shuttles or other vehicles for hire in Yukon.
Schools are not considered a public space, according to the Yukon government. However, school staff and students aged 10 and older are required to wear a non-medical mask on the school bus and in school common areas.
Recently, workers’ union Unifor called on the B.C. government to increase transit security resources to enforce COVID-19 mask requirements.
When in an indoor space in Yukon, masks may be temporarily removed if people are seated at a table in a restaurant or bar, participating in a sport or fitness activity, or providing or receiving personal or health care services that require the mask to be removed.
Non-medical masks can be homemade or commercially bought. Three layers is recommended but two layers is effective, according to the government. Face shields will not be considered a substitute for a non-medical mask. People who are unable to wear a mask due to psychological, behavioural or other pre-existing health conditions will be exempt from wearing a mask.
Anyone without a mask in an indoor space or who refuses to comply with the direction of an enforcement officer, including refusing to leave a public space where masks are required or engage in abusive or belligerent behaviour, may be subject to a $500 fine.
