As of next Monday, if you’re out and about in indoor public spaces, you will be required to wear a non-medical mask.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald made the Special Measures Order yesterday.

Masks at public indoor places for everyone five and over will become compulsory August 24. That includes public transit such as buses, taxis and public areas of ferries, common areas of office buildings, shopping malls and shopping venues, government buildings, town halls, bingo halls, fitness centres, dance studios, movie cinemas, post-secondary institutions but not the classrooms, common areas of accommodation facilities, restaurants and lounges, and many other places.

People with physical or mental health conditions can apply to be exempt, and seated areas of indoor facilities will be exempt if conditions on distancing and movement can be met.

One of the key exceptions is for students. In the classroom, students will not have to wear a mask, but can if they want to do so.

Fitzgerald says because of the low prevalence of COVID-19 in the province, students will not be required to wear a mask in their classroom, but Fitzgerald cautions, that could change if the situation changes.

Students will be required to wear masks on the school bus.

Non-medical masks are recommended in areas where students are unable to exercise physical distancing for an extended period. Students who cannot tolerate a mask for a particular reason will not be required to wear one.