A local Doctor’s group is glad to see the mandatory mask bylaw in effect here in Airdrie.

Airdrie Community Physicians Association said it sent a letter to the city in the summer urging masks to become mandatory in public spaces much sooner.

City Council did pass a mandatory mask bylaw, but tied it to whether or not provincial health officials decided to place Airdrie under enhanced status.

Masks must now be worn in grocery stores, gyms, restaurants and other places the public frequents. However, Dr. Avneet Brar believes municipalities need to look at their surrounding communities when it comes to making decisions about public health-related restrictions and bylaws.

“Airdrie doesn’t have any hospital beds. Airdrie doesn’t have any ICU beds. We’re very much reliant on Calgary for those things for our critically ill patients,” he explained. “It’s fine that City Council is looking at what’s happening in Airdrie, but the reality is, is what’s happening in Calgary is very important to Airdrie and vice versa.”

The Province instituted new targeted public health measures that went into effect today (Friday) and will remain in place for two weeks as it attempts to curb the fast-growing cases of COVID-19 in the province.