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And now, the mask bylaw. This would make mask wearing mandatory in indoor spaces inhabited by the public. That includes facilities & businesses. The fine would be $200 & it'd be revisited in 3 months https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/mandatory-mask-bylaw-vote-1.5644046
Richardson says mask wearing is effective, although the science isn't definitive. It shows mask wearing is most effective when around 80% of people are wearing them, which this aims to achieve. She lists some other cities who've enacted a bylaw like this. Toronto, Kingston, etc
Merulla says mask wearing has been politicized. It also illustrates the inability of the U.S. to do the right thing. He asks Richardson to elaborate who a mask protects. Richardson says they can protect the mask wearer AND others, but it's most effective in protecting others
Merulla has no time for people politicizing a global health pandemic. Wearing a seat-belt is taking away civil liberties but people have been doing it for years. Yet masks are making "this nonsense surface"
Using a pandemic to make the point is nonsense, he says, & shows there's "a new wave of keyboard morons who are masquerading as journalists, as politicians, as scientists" & "it's truly frightening...Anything Trump says, run the other way"
"If anybody doesn't like this mask idea, you know what? Buffalo's not too far away. Feel free to move there"
Now Ferguson, who has opposite thoughts. You said earlier in the pandemic that we didn't need masks, he tells Richardson. What changed?
Now Ferguson, who has opposite thoughts. You said earlier in the pandemic that we didn't need masks, he tells Richardson. What changed?
Richardson says she knows it can be frustrating & confusing, but evidence is evolving. Public health has been recommending masks for a while, she adds
Ferguson says public health changing its mind on masks will erode trust. Also, why not wait until there's a case increase?
Ferguson says public health changing its mind on masks will erode trust. Also, why not wait until there's a case increase?
Richardson says by the time you see an increase in cases, the infection has been spreading for 2 weeks
She also says this recommendation is not political influence. This is public health advice from experts in infectious disease
She also says this recommendation is not political influence. This is public health advice from experts in infectious disease
Danko is pro-mask bylaw. It gives everyone a clear idea what they're supposed to do, & it helps economic recovery. It makes economic sense to pass this
Pearson says she's gotten a lot of feedback on this from residents. They're about 50/50. Having said that, she 100% supports a mask bylaw. She puts it in the same category as wearing seat-belts
Pearson also says the huge budget shortfalls governments are facing - including the city - show that we can't afford this pandemic to continue. We need every tool available to us to shut it down
. @CouncillorB supports the bylaw because it makes front-line workers in stores safer. They can say to irate customers, "I'm sorry, but it's a city bylaw."
. @ward1wilson says the virus's spread in the U.S. shows what happens in a worst-case scenario. We have mounting evidence that masks help, she says, & quotes Maya Angelou. "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
A common argument against the mask bylaw, says the mayor, is people saying it stops them from worshipping. Richardson says she doesn't see any way this bylaw would hinder worship
One of the most vocal people questioning masks has been Whitehead, who isn't in this meeting
One of the most vocal people questioning masks has been Whitehead, who isn't in this meeting
. @FredEisenberger says businesses have told him they can't survive another shutdown like in March. And one COVID-19 test can shut down a business. For this reason & more, he supports the bylaw
Judging from the support around the table, it seems like this will pass
Judging from the support around the table, it seems like this will pass
Nann has constituent who is a survivor of intimate partner violence that includes choking. The trauma resurfaces when she wears a mask. Is this a reasonable accommodation?
The city says if someone says they have a medical reason, it'll be taken at face value
The city says if someone says they have a medical reason, it'll be taken at face value
Nann says for people who haven't worn masks, she knows it feels inconvenient & strange. But "give it a go. Try it every time you walk out the door." You'll get into the rhythm of it
Ferguson says prov, fed & city govts are "scaring the daylights" out of people, & he knows people who still haven't left the house. "Leaders are supposed to spread hope, not fear...I heard nothing but fear today"
He also says 3 months seems like a long time
He also says 3 months seems like a long time
Pauls says she's not sure how she'll vote. Education is better than legislation, she says, and "people want to do better."
In short, if you educate them why wearing a mask is good, they'll want to do their best, even if you don't legislate it
In short, if you educate them why wearing a mask is good, they'll want to do their best, even if you don't legislate it
