Wearing a mask is becoming a common sight as COVID-19 cases rise in B.C. and retailers asking employees and the public to wear them.
In April, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam recommended that Canadians wear non-medical masks when they can't properly physical distance.
More companies are now advertising on social media and other means of communication they are selling the coverings.
Here in Prince George and the surrounding area, there are shops, medical clinics and travel companies that are either requiring masks or strongly recommending they be worn.
As of today (Aug. 12), customers entering Walmart stores will be required to have a face mask.
If someone doesn’t have their own, one will be provided by the store upon entering.
Here are some places to know that you need to wear a mask around the city, or are highly recommended to do so:
- Walmart – As mentioned, you are now required to have a mask when shopping at the retailer. All staff are also required
- BC Transit – As of Aug. 24, riders will be required to have a mask when travelling on buses. Children under five years of age will not be required as well as those who can’t wear a mask for health reasons
- University Hospital of Northern B.C. – If you are going to the hospital for a visit, tests or other reasons, you have to have your own mask or you will be given one when entering. There are also stickers for the why you are there such as an appointment or other reasoning’s
- Medical Clinics - Clinics are also strongly recommending that patients wear masks when seeing a doctor
- ICBC – If you are taking a road test, it will be mandatory to wear a mask as well as the examiner. If you are taking a motorcycle test, you will not be required to wear PPE due to the nature of the test
- Costco – Although masks are not mandatory at the warehouse, the company recommends you wear one. At some locations, employees have provided masks upon entry to those without a mask
- Prince George Airport (YXS) - As of July 21, masks are mandatory at all times when inside the terminal. The authority is also only allowing employees and passengers with a valid ticket inside unless a traveller requires assistance
- Air Canada – The airline has made it mandatory for passengers to wear a facemask when boarding and while on their flight
- WestJet – The airline announced, as of April 20, all guests will be required to wear a face mask during flight
- Flair Airlines - The airline is coming to Prince George shortly and they are also requiring employees and travellers to wear facemasks
- Fabricland - Masks are a requirement when inside the store. Children under two years of age do not have to wear one. If you can't wear one due to health reasons, you will need to use curbside pickup
- Moores Clothing for Men - Both employees and customers are required to wear masks when inside the store
- Dollar Tree Canada - Customers and employees are required to wear masks while shopping
- Old Navy - Old Navy is also strongly encouraging customers to wear masks while in its stores. Employees are required to wear one
- Winners & HomeSense - Customers required to wear a mask while in their stores. Employees are required to wear one
- Starbucks - As of Sept. 14, customers walking inside to order must wear a face-covering. Employees are required to wear one
B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said masks are a good idea if in groups or areas where physical distancing can't be done but has reiterated many times she doesn't believe they need to be mandated in the province.
If you know of any other business or location requiring or strongly recommending face masks, let us know by sending an email to news@princegeorgematters.com.
- with files from Hanna Petersen and Kyle Balzer, PrinceGeorgeMatters, and Diane Strandberg and Stefan Labbé, Tri-City News
