Don’t forget to wear you mask if you plan to vote in person at a Delta civic facility on provincial election day Saturday.
Masks are mandatory following Delta council’s decision last month to implement a new policy requiring masks in all facilities.
The policy is part of the city’s overall COVID-19 reopening plan for city hall as well as parks, recreation and culture facilities.
A report to council notes many jurisdictions across Canada have also implemented mandatory face mask requirements for indoor public spaces and numerous private businesses have done the same.
Other agencies serving the public have also introduced mandatory face mask policies, including TransLink, B.C. Transit and B.C. Ferries.
“Requiring face masks indoors in City of Delta facilities is a prudent step to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19 in Delta. To this stage of the pandemic, Delta's efforts, in conjunction with those across the region and around the province, have proven successful in limiting the spread of the virus. As the fall and winter months approach, additional precautions are likely necessary to continue to protect the community,” the report notes.
Mayor George Harvie said it’s important for Delta to demonstrate leadership as COVID-19 cases have moved upward.
Vancouver council is also considering implementing such a policy.
A group of doctors calling itself Masks4Canada supports the idea, having also sent a letter to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry calling for a mask order.
While the City of Delta has made mask wearing mandatory in its facilities, it’s a different story for polling stations at local schools.
The Delta district notes its schools will follow the practices for voting places outlined by Elections B.C.
Those procedures include hand sanitizing, protective barriers, physical distancing and capacity limits but not mandatory masks.
“You are welcome to wear a face mask, if you wish. You will not be asked to remove your mask to vote,” Elections B.C. states.
The school district notes schools will be cleaned both before and after the vote is conducted.
