NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF MIDLAND
*********************
The Town of Midland is fully in support of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s (SMDHU) directive on mandatory face coverings/non-medical masks. As a result, beginning on Monday, July 13, signage will be posted at all Town facilities conveying this requirement, and the Town encourages all businesses and organizations in the municipality to follow suit to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“So far our efforts to curb the spread have been successful, with a minimal number of cases in Midland,” said Mayor Stewart Strathearn. “However, with our region well into stage two of the Ontario Government’s recovery process, it’s important we do all we can to continue to protect ourselves and our fellow citizens. I ask that our residents continue to do their civic duty and respect others by wearing a mask when in public indoor spaces and on transit. Let us also be aware that the Chief Medical Officer has indicated certain individuals are exempt from the health order and we need to understand that not everyone can wear a mask.”
Enforcement on Mid-Pen Transit Service
As of Monday, July 13, all riders on the Mid-Pen Transit Service will:
- Be required to wear a non-medical mask when riding the bus;
- Certain individuals are exempt from the Chief Medical Officers’ instructions;
- If you don’t have one when boarding, transit operators will provide you with a mask;
- If you refuse to wear the mask, you will be refused service and be asked to deboard; and
- Individuals may be liable for fines ranging from $750-$1000 up to a maximum of $100,000.
“In order to continue providing transit service to residents, it’s imperative that all efforts are made to keep our transit riders and operators safe and healthy,” said Shawn Berriault, Director of Community Services. “We strongly encourage residents to get on board with these mask requirements so that the Mid-Pen Transit Service can continue to operate, and that our fellow riders arrive to their destinations on time.”
As per the directive of the SMDHU, exemptions will be made for: children under the age of two, and those under five who refuse/cannot be persuaded to wear one by their caregiver; those who cannot wear a mask due to their religious beliefs; and persons with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent a person from wearing a face mask.
Reminder - the Mid-Pen Transit Service remains free for riders, and continues to operate Monday to Friday, using the “Saturday” schedule. In addition, the temporary suspension of transit service on Saturdays continues until further notice. Riders are asked to board and deboard using the rear doors when it is an option, to maintain physical distance from transit operators. Riders with disabilities may still use the front door if needed. For more details on the schedule, please visit: www.midland.ca/Pages/transit.aspx.
The Town of Midland will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates on the Town of Midland website at Midland.ca/COVID-19, and we encourage residents to follow our social media channels for updates as well, @MidlandON on Twitter, and @townofmidland on Facebook.
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
*********************
