Masks will be mandatory in Banff businesses and the downtown pedestrian zone as of Friday, July 31.
Town council passed a bylaw Monday, July 27 making it mandatory for people to wear masks or face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as shops, restaurants, hotels, common areas and other publically accessible facilities. Masks must also be worn outside in the 100 and 200 blocks of Banff Avenue and Caribou Street, (https://banff.ca/banffave) which has been converted into the downtown pedestrian zone.
Banff Safety Ambassadors will be in the downtown pedestrian zone handing out free disposable masks all summer. Reusable masks can also be purchased from establishments listed at https://banff.ca/COVIDhelp#Masks
The Temporary Mask Bylaw comes into effect noon, Friday, July 31. Council will review its effectiveness at every meeting this summer and fall, and may make adjustments as needed.
There are a number of exceptions to the bylaw, including:
- children under two years of age, or a child who is under five (chronologically or developmentally) who refuses to wear a mask and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver
- people who cannot wear a mask for underlying medical reasons or disability which inhibits their ability to wear a face covering (proof of a medical condition is not required)
- people who needs to temporarily remove their mask, provided they are able to maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from anyone not members of the same household or cohort, for the purposes of consuming food or drink. Wear the mask when entering, leaving and moving around this establishment.
Proof of exception is not required.
Businesses and other publicly accessible enclosures are required to post a sign or poster in their entrances identifying the requirement to wear a mask or face covering. Businesses can download a poster/sign from Banff.ca/COVIDmasks.
Wearing a mask does not replace the need to maintain a social distancing of 2 metre/6 feet from others, or the practice of regular hand washing and sanitizing.
For additional information on the bylaw, visit Banff.ca/COVIDmasks