Beginning Friday, July 24, 2020 at 12:01 AM, it is mandatory that people in the general public wear a mask or other form of face covering in indoor public spaces.
Many questions have been posed and we have provided this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to help Employers, Business Owners and Operators implement a mandatory masking policy in their business or organization. An FAQ page for the general public will be added in the coming days.
This page and its content will continue to evolve as we receive more questions and information. Please continue to refer to the website for up to date and accurate information.
Please note that there are reasons where someone may not be able to wear mask/face covering and who do not need to follow the mandatory mask directive for business (https://www.tbdhu.com/mandatorymasks ) and for that reason these individuals are exempt. The reason may not be visible to others and individuals are not expected to share their reasons.
A full list of the exemptions are outlined in the instruction letter from Dr. DeMille, the Medical Officer of Health. This exemption list includes children under 2 years of age as they should not wear masks.
FAQs
A mask/face covering that securely covers an individual’s mouth, nose and chin can act as a barrier that reduces the chances of respiratory droplets spreading the virus to other people. The mask/face covering also reduces the chances of contaminating nearby surfaces which can also lead to transmission of the virus.
Emerging evidence suggests that broader use of masks/face coverings in the general public could reduce overall spread of the virus in a community.
As our region continues to open up and as we prepare for an expected increase in the spread of the virus, using a mask/face covering is one more measure to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from this virus. To achieve this benefit, we need to implement this measure before the virus is circulating in greater numbers.
Working to provide you more information and guidance on masks/face coverings and how to use and care for them properly;
Working to improve access to mask/face coverings for people who may not have this currently; and
Working with businesses and other organizations to promote mask/face coverings.
The directive goes into effect at of 12:01 am on July 24, 2020.
“Enclosed public space” means indoor public spaces of businesses and organizations that are accessed by the public. For example, restaurants, retail establishments, churches, libraries, sports facilities, gyms, common areas and waiting rooms, public transportation and personal service settings are all “enclosed public spaces”. Schools, child care centres, day camps, and other indoor spaces not accessible to the public are not considered an enclosed public space.
Businesses and organizations are not required to supply masks for the public. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own mask or face coverings. Establishments may choose to have disposable masks available for the public, but it is not a requirement.
Signage for mandatory masking is available on the TBDHU website. Businesses and organizations can also produce their own signage. Signage must be displayed in a location that allows customers and clients to read the signage before entering. Verbal reminders can also be provided.
A new Masks are Now Required in Enclosed Public Spaces handout is available for businesses and organizations looking to provide customers or clients with information about the mask requirement.
Every business and organization falling under this directive is required to adopt a Mandatory Mask Policy. A sample policy (PDF) is available for download. This policy should be implemented and enforced in ‘good faith’ and should primarily be used as a means to educate people on mask or face covering use in indoor public spaces.
Employees working in an enclosed public space should wear a mask unless they are exempt or are working from behind a barrier (e.g. Plexiglass). Businesses and organizations can adopt separate policies and practices, including masking where applicable, for keeping their staff and workplace safe. This includes areas of their workplace that are not accessible to the public. These areas are not included in the instructions provided for enclosed public spaces.
A mask refers to a cloth (non-medical) mask, medical mask or other face coverings, (e.g. bandana, a scarf or cloth) that serves the purpose of filtering respiratory droplets and securely covers the nose, mouth, and chin and is in contact with the surrounding face without gapping.The mask should be comfortable to the wearer and allow for easy breathing and should not need frequent repositioning or readjusting. For more information, including cleaning re-usable masks, see Masks and Face Coverings.
A face shield is not a substitute for wearing a face mask as it does not filter respiratory droplets. A face shield may provide additional protection for the wearer against droplets expelled from another person, however these droplets may still be inhaled around the shield. Respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer may escape around the sides of the face shield, which therefore provides less protection to others. When wearing a face shield, it is recommended to also wear a properly fitted cloth mask.
Temporary removal of the mask or face covering is permitted where necessary when:
Actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity including water-based activities
Consuming food or drink
Receiving services in a personal service setting on an area of the face that would otherwise be covered by a mask or face covering
For any emergency or medical purpose
The Instruction Letter to Employers, Business Owners and Operators issued on July 16, 2020 applies to enclosed public spaces of businesses and organizations that can be accessed by the public. TBDHU encourages operators of indoor spaces that are not accessible to the public to have a policy or a plan to ensure the protection of individuals in those spaces, including their staff. TBDHU continues to recommend that individuals wear a mask or other form of face covering in indoor spaces, especially when maintaining physical distancing cannot be guaranteed.
The Instruction Letter to Employers, Business Owners and Operators does not require businesses to turn away people who are not wearing a mask or face covering. In addition, businesses must recognize that there are exemptions for individuals who are unable or cannot wear a mask. Such persons should not be turned away and should not be asked to provide proof of their exemptions.
Note that personal services settings (e.g. hair salons, nail salons) have separate regulations under the emergency orders that require everyone receiving a service to wear a mask, with no exceptions.
TBDHU is encouraging that education and promotion of mask use is a primary consideration for businesses and organizations in enacting their policy for the use of masks/face coverings.
A new Masks are Now Required in Enclosed Public Spaces handout is available for businesses and organizations looking to provide customers or clients with information about the mask requirement.
TBDHU recommends that all employers have a policy or a plan in place for enclosed spaces that are not accessible to the public. This would include spaces that are used by employees, agents or others. This can address a number of measures including:
Physical distancing of two metres;
Face covering requirements, especially where physical distancing is not possible;
Routine screening for COVID-19 symptoms, including requiring those with symptoms to stay home and advising them to be tested for COVID-19;
Promoting hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette; and
