‘NO FACEMASKS ALLOWED!:’ Saskatoon business posts divisive sign, has since been taken down

A Saskatoon health-based business is under fire on social media following a sign it posted this week, reading “NO FACEMASKS ALLOWED!”

The business has since been identified at VitaJuwel, which operates on the 400 block of 21st Street East.

https://twitter.com/JMDrennanYXE/status/1302855973170675717?s=20

The province has since told 650 CKOM that it believes the sign has been taken down but took the opportunity to educate other businesses.

“Businesses should familiarize themselves with their options and obligations as it relates to mask use as outlined in the ROSK (Re-Open Saskatchewan) Guidelines, as well as directions and recommendations on indoor mask use from the Chief Medical Health Officer,” an emailed statement to 650 CKOM Wednesday reads.

The statement was sent from the Ministry of Health’s Colleen Book, its senior media relations consultant.

“Mask use is recommended in all indoor public places, especially where a two-metre physical distance cannot be maintained at all times. Most businesses have the independence to implement safety measures as they see fit, including having physical distancing markers on floors, requiring staff to wear masks, etc.,” the statement continues.

VitaJuwel Saskatoon has not responded to a request for comment from 650 CKOM at the time of publishing.

The original post was done by Saskatoon’s Jennifer Drennan. She said she’s a proponent of private businesses conducting themselves as they see fit. However, the sign concerned her.

“To (me,) it gets into murky territory when a business is essentially saying “if you want to come inside, you are required to actively disregard current public health guidelines,” she wrote to 650 CKOM Wednesday.

“It concerned me that any business in Saskatoon, but especially one marketing health and wellness solutions, would work against public health officials who are trying to keep us all safe.”

Drennan continued, saying she saw that the story and her post had hit a chord with many, on both sides of opinion.

“This is a polarizing topic. I’m not sure how we navigate that respectfully and with kindness… I’d like to think we all want that, but it’s difficult when those involved feel that the “other side” is infringing on rights or putting the public at risk,” she said.

In addition to the sign condemning facemasks, the business also mentioned to readers that it could help clients “protect your immunity and your sanity” by kindly asking them how, and they’d be happy to keep clients safe.

In another sign that was posted on the business window, the business said it treats illnesses such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s, depression, cancer, schizophrenia, eating disorders, addiction, suicide, brain damage and autism.