No plans so far for local mask bylaw as other Alberta communities approve them: Scott

There are no plans for the Wood Buffalo area to bring in mandatory mask bylaws, similar to those seen in other communities across Alberta.

However, Mayor Don Scott says that could change if COVID-19 cases rise suddenly or if a mandatory order is brought in by the province.

“It’s possible that could happen in the future and council could bring a motion,” he said during a Wednesday interview. “But at this point, because we’ve had modest numbers, we’re just keeping an eye on it.”

At the time of the interview, Fort McMurray had 13 active cases and surrounding rural areas had seven. The region has seen 115 recoveries, with 62 in Fort McMurray. So far, no one has died from the virus.

Scott credited the community’s industrial safety culture for keeping virus numbers low, as well as guidelines adopted by the province, federal government and oilsands companies.

He also praised local initiatives, such as the distribution of 50,000 masks on public transit. Another 300,000 masks have been given out by the provincial government in the area.

“We’re a very safety conscious region and we see that with the sites, which have taken very aggresive steps,” said Scott.

In Fort McMurray, mask regulations have been limited to individual businesses. For instance, masks became mandatory in all Canadian Walmart stores on the same day as Scott’s interview.