Vancouver council votes to ‘encourage’ masks in civic facilities rather than make them mandatory “I don’t actually expect that much of a difference, because people were pretty good about it before,” Brodie told Global News Sunday.[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]As a means of enforcing the new rule, Brodie said city staff will refuse service to people who refuse to mask up, unless they are a child or have a valid medical reason.Staff will also distribute free masks to anyone who needs one.The full policy, including exceptions, can be viewed here.Richmond has been a leader in Metro Vancouver when it comes to tackling COVID-19.According to data from the B.C.