John Tory to support bylaw making face masks mandatory in indoor public settings

Toronto; #JohnTory; #NonSurgicalMasks; #MamdatoryInCloseSettings

Toronto, Jun 30 (Canadian-Media): Toronto Mayor John Tory said at a news conference on Jun 30 that on the recommendation of Toronto's medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, measures are being taken to make non-medical masks and face coverings mandatory in indoor public spaces to help limit the spread of COVID-19. 

John Tory. Image credit: Twitter handle

​"It is about respecting and protecting each other," Tory said adding that it will be a key element to reopening the city safely

A report from Toronto's medical officer of health includes the recommendation that will go to council later today. 

Tory said he expects that the council would move ahead with the policy by implementing a temporary by-law.

If the recommendation is adopted, said Tory, the rule would take effect one week from today,the same time these rules become mandatory on public transit in the city.

Both de Villa and Tory encouraged anyone who has access to a cloth mask to begin wearing one right away, with "suitable" exceptions to those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, as well as for children under two years old. 
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Other jurisdictions in which residents consistently wear masks have proved to help curb the spread of COVID-19 as well as a mandatory mask rule results in higher uptake. 

Toronto's policy would remain in place until at least September when the city council meeting would be held so the order could be extended if deemed necessary, Tory said. 

"We know we are at a critical time in the fight against COVID-19, and that we must do everything we can to avoid the flare ups that we've seen in other places," said Tory.