Should B.C. have stricter rules for mask use in apartment buildings?

NORTH VANCOUVER, BC – After BC public well being officers introduced that masks had been non-compulsory however extremely really useful, Margaret McCabe stated some renters who lived in her house constructing had been simply too snug to not put on them.

“Some tenants in my constructing have publicly stated they do not put on masks and will not be vaccinated, so the 2 issues put collectively are the larger downside,” stated McCabe, a renter who lives in North Vancouver.

Regardless of the signage within the foyer, McCabe stated some tenants refuse to put on face covers within the elevator, laundry room, and different public areas.

“I really feel so uncomfortable. I really feel like I can not depart my suite. I put on gloves once I go to the laundry room, ”McCabe added.

McCabe spoke to her landlord, who additionally manages the constructing, about her issues. Nonetheless, in accordance with the Tenant Useful resource and Advisory Heart (TRAC), there may be solely a lot he can do.

“If a tenant refuses to put on a masks within the constructing, it is vitally troublesome for a landlord to have the ability to power them to put on a masks,” stated Robert Patterson, legal professional and counsel at TRAC.

The Ministry of Well being’s web site, which explains the province’s newly applied masks mandate, doesn’t particularly handle the usage of masks in house buildings.

In keeping with the ministry, it’s necessary to put on a masks “in all public interiors and rooms” akin to purchasing facilities, grocery shops and airports.

“Aside from that, if a tenant is feeling uncomfortable, particularly if they’ve sure vulnerabilities and are involved about being uncovered, that is one thing to speak to the owner about,” Patterson stated.

Amid a fourth wave propelled by the extremely transmissible Delta variant, McCabe hopes the Division of Well being will embrace residential buildings in its provincial masks mandate and that every one tenants will attempt to be respectful of their neighbors.

“Folks have the proper to decide on to not be vaccinated, however does that give them the proper to contaminate different individuals?” stated McCabe.

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