Mayor Michael Fougere and several City Councillors convened at the Cornwall Centre Thursday to encourage Regina residents to wear masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Fougere cited the need to wear a mask as a matter of public safety.

“This has been a priority, in absolute terms for our council, is public safety over and above everything else. Making sure residents are safe when they go about their daily lives, go about their work, and they go out buying commerce,” said Fougere. “Safety is critical. Wearing a mask is simply one more small measure to protect everyone.”

The Mayor applauded the people of Regina for following COVID-19 guidelines throughout the pandemic, adding that despite the city’s best efforts, Regina currently has the most active cases in the province.

When asked on whether or not the city would create a mask bylaw, Fougere said the discussion is ongoing.

“Council will have that discussion soon, but for right now we’re saying best efforts on a voluntary basis, encouraging people, we believe that is initially the best way to get people’s attention,” said Fougere. “Ask them to do the right thing, put that mask on when you’re in a public space indoors to protect yourself, your family members, and people around you.”

The issue of making masks mandatory has been a hot issue, and while Fougere believes that the province should make a province-wide mandate instead of having cities go it alone.

He also says that he understands that not everyone will be willing to wear a mask, but the Mayor stressed that, in order to keep the curve flat, mask use will be necessary.

“I feel very strongly that this is very important to do, and I respect individuals’ rights and they can judge whether we done the right thing or not,” said Fougere. “I know that my councillor colleagues could rest easy, knowing that we’ve done this to dampen the spread of this, as opposed to doing nothing and then we have higher rates.”

Fougere wouldn’t say when City Council would debate a mask mandate but ensured that the discussion will take place in the near future.