As of Thursday afternoon, the City of Yellowknife was awaiting advice from the chief public health officer (CPHO) as to whether a mandatory non-medical mask bylaw for city transit and municipal facilities will allow the city to increase the number of users.
Councillors showing support for the proposed bylaw include Robin Williams, Cynthia Mufandaedza, Stacie Smith, Shauna Morgan and Mayor Rebecca Alty. Julian Morse said he wanted to wait for the CPHO's input before settling on a position.
NNSL file photo
Niels Konge was the only councillor who indicated he wanted stricter bylaw measures for all indoor retail spaces. Steve Payne and Rommel Silverio were absent from Monday's meeting and NNSL Media was unable to reach them Thursday.
Last Monday's governance and priorities committee meeting saw extensive debate among councillors on bylaw options from administration and to what extent the city should expect residents to wear non-medical masks to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
Most of council accepted that a moderate bylaw on city transit and facilities is likely to be required if the city wants to increase capacity, particularly on city transit.
The city is especially concerned that with restricted ridership on buses – currently capped at nine people – that there will be transportation limitations with increased fall demand. If the CPHO can allow increased ridership with a mask bylaw in place, it would make it easier for those needing trips to and from downtown school and workplaces.
"Council is supportive of making it mandatory for public transit, if it will increase capacity," Alty said on Thursday. "So that's why we're patiently and urgently awaiting direction from the chief public health officer. This will be our last meeting (Aug. 24) before school goes in (Aug. 31) and we do need some guidance on ways to increase capacity on on public transit.
"High schoolers take public transit, but with many staff now back to work in the downtown core, a lot of adults will also be on public transit in the morning and at 5 p.m. as well. So it would be quite a challenge come (the) first day of school."
'Prudent measure'
A first reading vote is expected to take place at the governance and priorities committee meeting on Monday at noon. The bylaw is then expected to go to second and third reading at the regular council meeting the same night at 7 p.m., at which point there is expected to be further debate, particularly if there is new information from the CPHO.
"We do still want to discuss it on Monday and I really hope that we can hear back from the chief public health officer in time," Alty said.
The mayor added that the public is welcome to attend and/or provide presentations on the matter.
Mike Westwick, manager of communications with the GNWT Department of Health and Social Services, stated in an email on Thursday that the questions from the city were still being processed. However, he added that the use of non-medical masks is recommended by the CPHO as one way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to protect others.
"As the weather grows colder and more indoor activity occurs, such as return to school and workplaces, wearing masks in indoor public places is a prudent measure," Westwick stated. "It is especially recommended for periods of time when it is not possible to consistently maintain a two-metre physical distance from others, particularly in crowded public settings, such as stores, restaurants, airports, recreational facilities/community centres and public transportation."
He added that masks don't replace other recommended measures such as physical distancing, hand washing, or other self-control practices like covering coughs and sneezes, not touching eyes, nose, mouths with unwashed hands and self-monitoring for Covid symptoms. This includes staying home when sick.