Ottawa bylaw officers could soon be given the power to issue fines of up to $400 to people who are not wearing masks in indoor public spaces, but the city stated that it has no plans to launch a crackdown.
City officials offered more details about a proposed bylaw to make face masks mandatory to limit the community spread of COVID-19.
The fine of $200 to $400 would only be levied against those who repeatedly refuse to wear face masks despite warnings and education. This is less than the default fine of $880 under Ontario’s emergency legislation.
Mayor Jim Watson first signaled a week ago that the temporary bylaw would go before the council for approval on July 15. It lines up with, and builds on, a directive by Ottawa’s medical officer of health that took effect recently.
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WHO: Guidelines on Mask Usage During COVID-19