Tree Valley Garden Centre Ltd. Mandatory Face Covering Policy
This Policy has been developed further to the instructions of the Region’s Medical Officer of Health issued on July 10, 2020 which requires businesses and organizations to develop a policy requiring anyone entering their premises to be wearing a Face Covering.
The Policy applies in any enclosed spaces which are open to the public and where customers interact with one another or staff members. It does not apply to outdoor areas or an area that is not enclosed. Thus, during the summer months Tree Valley Garden Centre is exempt from this ruling. Once the main greenhouses are enclosed for the cooler months masks will be mandatory. Thus, this policy will be updated with the changing weather.
We do though still ask our customers to wear a face covering in the greenhouses if you are able to, and to always maintain distancing with our staff for their safety.
When masks become mandatory on our premises, all staff will use their best efforts to prevent anyone from entering the premises if the person is not wearing a Face Covering. If they see a person entering the premises without a Face Covering, they will advise the person of this requirement. Our staff will continue to ensure that customers use hand sanitizer before entering the premises and will remind them of the need to maintain a distance of 6 feet from any other person.
If a customer refuses to wear a Face Covering, we have been instructed to let them enter the premises. We ask that anyone entering the property remain polite and do not engage in any verbal confrontation.
As per the Region’s Medical Officer of Health, the following individuals are exempt from the requirement of wearing a Face Covering:
- Children under 5 years of age
- Anyone who cannot wear a Face Covering because of a medical condition
- Anyone who cannot place or remove a Face Covering without assistance
- Anyone who refuses to wear a Face Covering based on any ground in the Human Rights Code.
If anyone states that they cannot wear a Face Covering because of any of the above reasons, employees have been instructed to accept any of the above explanations and do not require the customer to explain further or require proof.
Once the main greenhouse structure becomes enclosed, if employees see anyone in the premises who has removed their Face Covering for an extended period, they will remind the individual that the Face Covering should be worn.
Note that Face Coverings may be removed temporarily for the following purposes:
- Outside the main greenhouse structure
- Consuming food or drink;
- While actively engaging in physical labour, athletic or fitness activity
- For any emergency or medical purpose
Should you require additional information, please contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653). Visit york.ca/covid19 for additional information and resources.
*Please note for the purpose of this Policy, a “Face Covering†means a non-medical mask or face covering such as a bandana, scarf or cloth (including a hijab and niqab) that covers the mouth and nose.