City of Regina recommends mask use indoors, in public vehicles

Regina's mayor and some city councillors came together Thursday to recommend mask use. 

Given the rise of active COVID-19 cases in the Regina region, mayor Michael Fougere recommended people wear masks inside public spaces and public vehicles. As of Wednesday, there are 40 known cases in Regina, the most out of any zone in the province.

"Wearing a mask is simply one more small measure to protect one another," Fougere said. "It takes some getting used to but it is truly for the greater good."

Fougere said the city doesn't want the move to be controversial. He said masks are an easy way for the city to be safe and proactive ahead of this fall, when he said he expects to see a COVID-19 spike amid annual flu season concerns.

The mayor said the city would look at a mandatory mask policy in the coming days, weeks or months. He wouldn't commit to timelines on a decision. Fougere said the province was not opposed to municipalities creating their own bylaws around mask use.

He said he and his fellow municipal leaders had contacted the premier and the provincial government, asking for a single uniform mask policy.

Some residents applauded the city's move online.

"Thank you ... for being proactive in asking all to do the right thing with regard of the safety of ourselves loved ones and others," said Bernie Eckel on Facebook.

Ria Mari said on Facebook it was a step in the right direction.

"Well done Regina," Mari said.

"Now let's make it mandatory for all that are medically able to wear a mask. And pressure our Province to take appropriate action with a mandatory mask policy in indoor and public spaces."

"I think if they want people to enter and buy things they should supply the masks if they want business," Heike Velikas said on Facebook.

Fougere said he felt it would be easier for the province to enforce any kind of mandatory mask policy than it would be for municipalities.

"I know there's some people who will be concerned, it's either uncomfortable or they feel their right is to do what they like to do," he said.

"As a member of council I would rather err on the side of caution and safety and I feel very strongly that this is very important to do."