London business and employee fined $500 for violating face mask bylaw

London bylaw officers handed out fines to a local business and an employee for violating the mandatory face covering bylaw Tuesday.

The $500 fines come a day after London Mayor Ed Holder said the city would be moving beyond its education enforcement strategy.

"We remain focused on education, but part of that education also includes enforcement as necessary," saidHolder in a statement.

"The vast majority of Londoners, and London businesses have set an extremely high standard when it comes to respecting public health guidelines, and we have every intention of maintaining that standard going forward. While not our preference, we will not hesitate to issue fines and charges to those who refuse to adjust their behaviours thereby placing at risk the health and wellbeing of others."

According to the local bylaw, anyone, including employees, customers and visitors who enter an indoor public space are required to wear a face covering. Businesses are also required to post signs that show face masks must be worn.

The mandatory masking bylaw, which was approved by council on the advice of London's medical officer of health Dr. Chris Mackie, came into effect on June 21.

"We are fortunate that we continue to see high compliance with the bylaw with the majority of business operators and the public understanding and following the requirements," said Orest Katolyk, London's chief bylaw officer in a statement.

"We understand this is a difficult time for Londoners but this bylaw remains in effect to help protect the community and stop the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to visit businesses and identified hot spots, including restaurants and bars in the downtown coreand use enforcement action to issue fines as necessary."

This marks the first set of fines handed out by bylaw officers for masking infractions.

Exemptions to the rules include people who have a medical condition, children under 12, or other accommodations under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Anyone with concerns about businesses or individualsnot following COVID-19-related orders or the bylaw can emailCOVIDOrderConcerns@london.caor call 519-661-4660.