Face Coverings, Alcohol-based Rub Mandatory at all Commercial Establishments in Windsor

The Windsor-Essex Health Unit has announced that commercial establishments must create a policy to prohibit entry to customers and staff without face coverings. This policy must be in place by Friday, June 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

The policy includes:

  • Face coverings must be worn inside the establishment at all times, unless “reasonably required to temporarily remove” it for services provided by the business.
  • Also included in the direction for a new policy is that businesses must provide alcohol-based rub (hand sanitizer) at entrances and exits for all persons entering or leaving the premises.
  • As directed by the WECHU, the policy should be enforced in “good faith” and should be used as a means to educate people on mask use.

“We are glad for the Health Unit’s clear instructions to commercial establishments in Windsor-Essex regarding mask and alcohol-based hand rub use,” says Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Area chair Brian Yeomans. “The DWBIA is supporting businesses in downtown Windsor with our reopen and reconnect kits which include disposable masks and hand sanitizer, along with decals for physical distancing guidance.”

There are a number of exemptions for mask wearing, including:

  • Children under two years of age or children under five years of age (chronologically or developmentally) who cannot be persuaded to wear a face covering
  • People for whom a face covering would inhibit their ability to breathe
  • People for whom a medical condition means they cannot safely wear a masks, which include respiratory disease, cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing and/or processing information
  • Religious reasons

Businesses included in the order are:

  • Retail and convenience stores
  • Malls/plazas
  • Restaurants
  • Personal service settings
  • Grocery stores and bakeries
  • Gas stations and mechanic shops
  • Farmer’s markets (indoors only)
  • Car dealerships

Businesses excluded from the order are:

  • Churches or faith settings
  • Day camps and day care centres
  • Schools, libraries and community centres
  • Offices not open to the public
  • Private transportation
  • Hospitals and independent health facilities
  • Health professional offices
  • Golf courses and fitness facilities

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a novel coronavirus which can cause acute and severe respiratory illness and death in humans. The disease is transmitted from person to person predominantly through respiratory droplets that are released from the nose and mouth, through contact with contaminated surfaces and through poor hand hygiene. COVID-19 may be transmitted from persons who have minimal or no signs or symptoms of illnesses.

Epidemiological evidence indicates the widespread use of face coverings by all persons decreases spread of respiratory droplets. Expert opinion supports the widespread use of face covering to decrease transmission of COVID-19.