Masks or face coverings in Ontario - What you need to know

When you do go out, you must use a face covering (non-medical mask, such as a cloth mask) in public indoor spaces and whenever physical distancing is a challenge.

This includes:

• public spaces (for example, inside stores, event spaces, entertainment facilities and common areas in hotels)
• workplaces, even those that are not open to the public
• vehicles that operate as part of a business or organization, including taxis and rideshares

There are some situations when you do not need to wear a face covering.

You do not need medical documentation to support any of the exceptions below.

Children

Children do not have to wear a face covering indoors if they are younger than two years old.

Health and accommodations

You do not need to wear a face covering if you:

• have a medical condition that inhibits your ability to wear a face covering
• are unable to put on or remove your face covering without help from someone else
• are receiving accommodations according to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 or the Human Rights Code

Correctional institutions

You do not need to wear a face covering if you are in a:

• correctional institution
• custody program for young persons in conflict with the law
• detention program for young persons in conflict with the law

Workplaces

You do not need to wear a face covering when you are working in an area that allows you to maintain a distance of at least 2 metres from anyone else while you are indoors.

Residences and dwellings

You do not need to wear a face covering in:

• university dorms, retirement homes, long-term care homes or other similar dwellings except when you are in a common area and can’t maintain 2 metres from others
• residences for people with disabilities (any residences listed in the definition of“residential services and supports”in subsection 4 (2) of the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008)

Performing or rehearsing

You do not need to wear a face covering while you are performing or rehearsing for a:

• film or television production
• concert
• artistic event
• theatrical performance

Do:

• wash your hands immediately before putting on and immediately after taking off a face covering or face mask
• practice good hand hygiene while you are wearing the face covering
• make sure the face covering fits well around your nose and mouth
• avoid moving the mask around or adjusting it often
• avoid touching the covering while using it
• change the face covering or face mask when it gets slightly wet or dirty

Do not:

• share face coverings or face masks with others
• place on children under the age of two years or on anyone unable to remove without assistance or who has trouble breathing
• use plastic or other non-breathable materials as a face covering or face mask

Most municipalities have their own requirements when it comes to mask signage and policies.  Please check your municipality's by-law for masks or call one of our Business Counsellors at 1 888-234-2232 for assistance.

Yes there is a grant for PPE for very small businesses with two to nine employees. The grant is for $1,000.00.  For more details see The Government of Ontario website.

As per the Occupational Health and Safety Act  (OHSA) – Workplace is any location an employee reports to perform their duties. (this is the definition under OHSA: “workplace” means any land, premises, location or thing at, upon, in or near which a worker works; (“lieu de travail”)