Masks remain mandatory in City of Richmond facilities

30 June 2021

To further support public safety and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, the City of Richmond will continue to require visitors to all indoor City-operated facilities to wear masks until advised otherwise.

The City implemented a mandatory mask requirement in all its indoor facilities on November 1, 2020. The Province issued a similar mandate soon after. While the Provincial Health Officer said indoor mask wearing is “recommended” rather than mandatory beginning July 1, 2021 under Step 3 of the BC Restart plan, the City will continue to maintain the mask requirement for now in keeping with Council’s commitment to community safety during the pandemic.

Masks will continue to be required when entering and inside common areas of community centres, libraries, arenas, pools, Minoru Centre for Active Living, the Cultural Centre, heritage sites, Fire-Rescue facilities and City Hall, as well as the Richmond Olympic Oval.

While mask wearing remains mandatory, exceptions will be permitted for people with sensory, cognitive or physical disabilities; those with chronic health conditions and/or who are unable to wear a face covering; and children age 12 and under.

Customers using a facility for physical activity (i.e. taking a fitness class or swimming) or a program/class will not be required to wear a mask during their activity. However, they must continue to wear one in common areas of a building such as the main lobby, hallways, change rooms, stairwells and elevators.

Along with the required wearing of masks, the City’s safety plans and protocols remain in place at the various City-operated facilities. These includes physical distancing, safety barriers and other procedures based on the location, service and activity.

For more information on the mask guidelines, visit www.richmond.ca/masks.