The Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth says she’s not prepared to order masks to be mandatory in the region.

Dr. Miriam Klassen told a teleconference Monday afternoon that the HPPH is monitoring all the situations across the province but she still maintains that evidence in our area is such that issuing a mask order is not something that she’s prepared to do at this time.

The comments come on the same day that Waterloo Regional Council is holding a special meeting to decide if masks should be mandatory on public transit or in closed public spaces.

On beaches in the area, Dr. Klassen said people need to keep safety in mind including limiting time at the beach, considering visiting at off-peak times, and keeping a safe distance away from others that aren’t in their social circle.

She adds if people don’t follow the proper health guidelines, municipalities could decide to close beaches to visitors.