Petrolia will talk about a mandatory mask bylaw Aug. 10 and it wants to know what members of the community think.

Sarnia recently passed a mandatory mask bylaw as an extra measure aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 as more businesses open up.

Lambton County Council turned down a Lambton-wide bylaw in July on the advice of the Lambton Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sudit Ranade, who said there is not community spread so a mask is not necessary at this time. He did say if there was evidence of the virus circulating widely in the community in the future, he would recommend it’s mandatory use. But he says municipalities are best suited to issue a bylaw on the subject.

In a news release today, Fire Chief Jay Arns, who is also the town’s emergency coordinator, says the town has received several letters, emails and inquires about council implementing a mandatory mask bylaw for indoor spaces in the town.

Officials say they’re preparing a short instructional video on how to use masks now, but they also want to know what residents think.

They’ve created a survey for residents and businesses to fill out. It is at the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CFT23FB

The survey is available until Aug. 6 at 10 am and the results will be shared with council during for the Aug. 10 meeting.

Any written correspondence can be sent to the clerk, at [email protected] to be placed on the public agenda for the Monday night meeting.