The health and safety of Toronto’s communities is always top of mind for our local government, and this is why Toronto City Council voted unanimously in favour of requiring masks or face coverings in all enclosed public spaces as of July 7, 2020 – a move that will help combat the spread of COVID-19.

Toronto City Council made the following statement in its decision:

“A growing body of scientific evidence suggests the use of masks and face coverings is an inexpensive, acceptable, and non-invasive measure to help control the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is spread through contact with the respiratory droplets produced by someone who is infected when they cough, sneeze, or even when they laugh or speak, including by individuals who may not have symptoms – known as being asymptomatic. Evidence suggests wearing a mask reduces the likelihood of droplets infecting those around an individual.” Source: Toronto.ca.

The new city of Toronto bylaw means that businesses must – no matter what – adopt a policy to ensure masks or face coverings are worn in indoor public spaces under their control. The new bylaw, which is also being adopted in municipalities across Canada, will apply to the following indoor spaces that are presently open and accessible to the public.

• Retail stores
• Convenience stores
• Malls, shopping plazas
• Grocery stores, bakeries, farmer’s markets (enclosed areas)
• Restaurants, bars (when permitted to open for indoor service)
• Indoor recreational facilities, gyms, swimming pools and other residential condo amenities (when permitted to open)
• Libraries
• Community Centres
• Community service agencies
• Personal service settings
• Churches, mosque, synagogue, temples, and faith settings
• Art galleries, museums, aquariums, zoos
• Banquet halls, convention centres, arenas, stadiums, and other event spaces
• Real estate facilities such as open house, presentation centres
• Common areas in hotels, motels, residential condos, and short-term rentals (e.g. lobbies, elevators, meeting rooms)
• Entertainment facilities including concert venues, theatres, cinemas, casinos
• Business offices open to the public

This new Toronto bylaw will be reviewed at City’s Council’s meeting following summer recess (scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2020).

HOW WILL A SECURITY GUARD FIRM HELP YOUR BUSINESS DURING COVID-19?

As we all know, each phase of reopening has its benefits and challenges.

Hiring a security guard firm will help you run your operations more safely and efficiently, especially with new rules and guidelines in place, like with masks and face coverings being mandatory in public spaces.

A security firm will ensure that everyone at your location is wearing a mask or face covering. Additionally, guards will also report or remove individuals who are not following the mask or face covering bylaw.

It is also important to highlight that having guards at your business – commercial, residential, retail, and construction – will help manage access control, social distancing, and they also serve as health screeners and provide crowd management and incident assistance. As well, guards will monitor your business closely through security patrols (foot and vehicle).

If your business needs guarding services or has questions, reach out to Regal Security Inc. today. We are here to help!