Businesses and residents in Renfrew County will have a week before a new directive kicks in requiring people to wear a mask or face covering in “enclosed public spaces.”

The medical officers of health for four local health units – Eastern Ontario, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, Renfrew County and District, and Ottawa Public Health – held a joint press conference Monday afternoon to announce a “regional approach” to the use of masks.

Each public health unit will be invoking a directive under the province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that requires individuals to wear a mask or face covering in “certain enclosed public spaces.”

Under the directive, the “person responsible for a business or organization” that is open to the public shall “operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting.”

“In Renfrew County and District, this directive will require that masks are worn in enclosed public spaces,” the health unit said.

“The details of the local directive are in development and will come into effect next week.”

The health unit said the first step for implementation of this directive is “a gradual education process to be further assessed going forward.”

“This directive is to be primarily used as a means to educate people on mask use in premises, especially where 2-metre physical distancing cannot be maintained.”

The health unit said evidence shows that “wearing a non-medical mask or face covering such as a bandana, scarf or cloth that covers the mouth and nose, can help contain the spread of COVID-19 when used in combination with frequent handwashing, physical distancing and staying home when ill.”

“Masks that cover your mouth, nose, and chin help to prevent respiratory droplets from your mouth and nose reaching others or landing on surfaces.”

In the press conference, Dr. Robert Cushman, acting medical officer of health for Renfrew County and District, said that officials are “very concerned” about a second wave of COVID-19 cases as the province continues to re-open.

“This is a personal inconvenience that is a social responsibility,” he said.

“We’re asking you to get on board and wear a mask. (Doing so) will allow us to march on and get to a new normal.”

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