80% of Edmontonians followed mask rules over long weekend: city

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Four out of five Edmontonians were seen wearing mandatory masks or face coverings by enforcement officers over the long weekend.

According to the City of Edmonton, enforcement officers patrolled 160 areas over the long weekend including transit, City recreation centres, places of worship and businesses to enforce the new mandatory mask bylaws that went into effect on August 1.

Masks are mandatory in all city-owned, public or private indoor spaces, with a $100 fine for non-compliance.

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According to a release, more than 80% of people observed by peace officers were wearing facial coverings, and staff at Community Recreation Centres and Edmonton Transit Service also observed more than 80% compliance.

“We’re extremely pleased with how Edmontonians have embraced the new bylaw and are committed to helping keep their fellow citizens safe,” said David Aitken, Chair of the City of Edmonton’s COVID-19 Task Team.

“Peace Officers and City staff will continue to help people understand the new bylaw and the importance of facial coverings in slowing the spread of COVID-19.”

As of August 3, 2,098 citizens were observed wearing masks and 519 people were observed not wearing masks.

No tickets were handed out, although officers did hand out 680 masks to the public.

On transit, inspectors also indicated 80 to 100% compliance.

The mandatory mask bylaw will remain in effect until the end of the year.