Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Officials are clarifying some points around new mask rules inside commercial businesses.
As of 12:01 pm today operators of commercial businesses across HPE, must have policies in place to stop people from going inside if they’re not wearing a mask or face covering, under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection act.
The health unit says it understands some people may not be able to wear a mask, due to breathing problems or other issues and while masks are recommended, store operators have been asked to remind customers without masks about their policy but should not ask for proof of exemption, or turn them away.
Businesses in Belleville, Quinte West and other parts of the area are following those guidelines, but Prince Edward County Council has gone above and beyond passed a by-law that does make masks indoors mandatory within its boundaries, but there are still some exemptions there as well.
