The Ontario Government recently updated public health measures to keep people safe, including mandatory masks across the province. See the information at https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200364.
We are currently updating the information on this page to reflect these changes. Please check back for updates.
In the TBDHU area, it is mandatory that the general public wear a mask or other form of face covering in indoor public spaces.
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is to help Employers, Business Owners and Operators implement a mandatory masking policy in their business or organization. An FAQ page for the general public is available as well.
Please note that there are reasons why someone may not be able to wear a mask/face covering. These individuals are exempt and do not need to follow the mandatory mask directive for business. 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.
“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 enclosed public spaces.
Businesses and organizations are not required to supply masks for the public. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own mask or face covering. 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 Mandatory Masks page. 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.
Every business and organization falling under this directive is required to adopt a Mandatory Mask Policy. A sample policy (DOC) 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 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 non-medical cloth mask, medical mask or other face covering, (e.g. bandana, scarf or cloth) that serves the purpose of catching respiratory droplets. It should securely cover the nose, mouth, and chin and be in contact with the surrounding face without gapping. The mask should be comfortable to the wearer, should allow for easy breathing and should not need frequent repositioning or readjusting. For more information, including cleaning of reusable masks, see the Masks and Face Coverings page.
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 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.
Yes, employers, business owners and operators can substitute a hand sanitizer that is authorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada. A list of authorized products is available from Health Canada.
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.
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
