At this time, Ontarians are encouraged to stay home as much as possible. Trips outside the home should only be for essential reasons, such as work, school, child care, groceries, medications, health care, exercise, or assisting vulnerable individuals. Avoid social gatherings (indoor social gatherings are not permitted), limit close contacts to those in your household, work from home if possible, and avoid travel except for essential reasons.
Follow all protective practices when you are out in the community to reduce your risk and help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Physical distancing
Wearing a mask
Keeping hands clean
Cleaning commonly touched surfaces
Staying home when sick
Getting tested if symptoms develop
Each of these measures alone will not prevent COVID-19; they need to be used together to be most effective.
Ontario regulations outline what public health measures businesses, organizations and individuals are required to follow. Below are additional tips to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when you are out in the community.
General
Do not go out to shop or run errands if you are sick or have any symptoms of COVID-19.
Shop for essentials once a week or less. Shop alone, if possible. Go out during off-peak hours if you can.
Read signs posted at entrances before going in and follow all instructions.
Follow all check-out procedures. Use contactless payment if available.
Greet friends with a wave or nod. Avoid standing around and chatting.
Use delivery or curb-side pick up options where available.
Physical Distancing
Keep at least 2 metres from others at all times, even when wearing a mask/face covering.
Follow floor markings and other physical distancing cues, including when entering and exiting the establishment and when waiting in line.
Follow all directional arrows, respect one-way aisles, and go down a different aisle if the one you want is crowded.
Be patient. Maintain your 2 metre personal space by not rushing or crowding, and allowing others to go by.
Ask for your personal space if someone is too close.
Masks/Face Coverings
Wear a mask/face covering in all indoor areas of a business or organization, as well as outdoors when lined up or congregating outside of an establishment.
Try not to touch or adjust your mask once it’s on. If you have to touch your mask, sanitize your hands before and after.
Try not to take off your mask between stores/stops if going to more than one place. If you do take off your mask, follow the Mask Care Tips on the Masks/Face Coverings page. Sanitize your hands before and after taking it off and again before and after putting it back on.
