November 9, 2021
The City's commitment to helping keep Edmontonians safe from the transmission of COVID-19 was reaffirmed today by City Council.
“It’s important to remind Edmontonians that this fight isn’t over. By extending the Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings bylaw, Council has ensured that one of our best tools for protection against the spread of the virus remains in place,” said Andre Corbould, Edmonton’s City Manager.
The Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings bylaw requires anyone in a public space within the City of Edmonton to wear a face covering as a way to help protect themselves, their families and those around them from COVID-19.
Earlier this fall, the previous Council added triggers to the bylaw in a time of governance transition. The municipal election was weeks away at that point and it was important to provide some certainty to the bylaw during that period.
The bylaw was in place until December 31, 2021, or when there were 10 consecutive days where the City of Edmonton had a COVID-19 case rate lower than 100 per 100,000 people, whichever came first.
City Council voted today to remove these triggers, which means that the bylaw remains in place until formally withdrawn. Council also directed that Administration return in December for further discussions about triggers.
The Alberta government has a provincial health order in place, which also requires face-covering use in public spaces. The City’s amended bylaw would continue to be in effect should provincial health orders change.
