Mandatory Masks: FAQs for General Public | Thunder Bay District Health Unit

The Ontario Government currently mandates the use of masks/face coverings in the indoor premises of all businesses and organizations (including a business vehicle), as well as in certain outdoor situations, with some exceptions. TBDHU’s Instruction Letter to Employers, Business Owners and Operators for mandatory masks/face coverings also remains in effect. Where there are differences between the regulation and TBDHU’s instruction letter, whichever is the stricter expectation will be required.

For details, visit the Mandatory Masks Directive for Businesses and Organizations page.

Please note that this FAQ is directed at the general public. There is a separate mandatory mask FAQ that is more specific to employers and employees.

Across Ontario, it is mandatory that the general public and employees wear a mask or other form of face covering in indoor spaces of a business or organization, including business vehicles, and in certain outdoor situations (unless exemptions apply).

*NOTE: Being fully vaccinated DOES NOT exempt an individual from mask requirements. Everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, must continue to wear a mask where required unless they are entitled to one of the six exemptions noted below.

This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is to help the public understand what is expected under the mandatory mask requirements.

FAQs

Get a mask/face covering if you don’t already have one. Make one if you are able.
Review how to use and care for them properly. You can find information on making, wearing and caring for masks the Masks or Face Coverings page.
Make sure the masks fit properly. Masks or face coverings should cover your mouth, nose and chin. You may need to make adjustments so that they are worn effectively and don’t cause problems like slipping down, having gaps, and/or fogging glasses.
If you think you may have difficulty wearing a mask/face covering, we encourage you to try them out for a short period of time, or try other types of face coverings that may work better for you.
A properly constructed and fitted mask is the recommended option. Other face coverings that cover the nose, mouth and chin are reasonable alternatives.
Keep in mind that wearing a mask or face covering provides an additional layer of protection against COVID-19. A mask is not a replacement for other public health measures. It is important to continue all the other prevention measures, such as physical distancing, hand hygiene and staying home if you have any symptoms.

Yes, non-medical masks and face coverings are not standardized, certified personal protective equipment. Therefore, physical distancing is still an important practice for preventing the spread of COVID-19, even when you are wearing a mask or face covering.

A mask refers to a non-medical cloth mask, medical-grade mask or other face covering, 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/Face Coverings page. The Public Health Agency of Canada also has recommendations for masks.

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.

In accordance with current regulations, the following exemptions are allowed if the person:

is a child who is younger than two years of age;
is performing or rehearsing in a film or television production or in a concert, artistic event, theatrical performance or other performance;
has a medical condition that inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering;
is unable to put on or remove their mask or face covering without the assistance of another person;
is being accommodated in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005; or
is being reasonably accommodated in accordance with the Human Rights Code.

Those who are exempt should not be required to provide proof of exemption.

Masks are not required for staff working in an area that is not accessible to the public and where a physical distance of 2 metres from every other person can be maintained at ALL times, regardless of the presence of a plexiglass or other barrier.

(Note: masking requirements and exemptions in schools, child care settings, residential service facilities, and correctional facilities may differ. Refer to regulations and guidance documents for those specific settings for details.)

People who are exempt from wearing a mask are encouraged to reduce the risk of potential spread of COVID-19 by:

Getting vaccinated as soon as possible (Visit COVID Clinics for information on vaccine opportunities)
staying home and limiting exposure to the public, especially in enclosed indoor areas.
arranging curbside pickup or delivery of necessities.
making any essential trips into a store as quick as possible when curbside pickup or delivery are not a feasible option.
keeping a distance of at least 2 metres from anyone outside of the household at all times and avoiding situations where physical distancing may be impractical.

When a customer or client is not complying with the mask requirements at a business or organization, they must be asked to put on a mask. Businesses must recognize that there are exemptions for individuals who are unable to wear a mask. The law does not require a person to provide proof of their exemption. However, if a person does not indicate that they are exempted, they must be asked to put on a mask or to leave. Owners and operators of businesses or organizations are encouraged to look for alternatives for those that are exempt from wearing a mask to still be able to receive their goods and services, such as making appointments, having special hours for shopping, or curbside pick-up.

Remember that non-medical masks are primarily used for “source control”, meaning each person’s mask functions more to protect those around them than to protect themselves. Therefore, an unmasked person represents a potential hazard to those around them, even if those around them are wearing their own masks. Employers have to take special occupational health and safety precautions for their staff if those staff will be within 2 meters of any other person. See our Mandatory Mask FAQ for Businesses & Organizations for more information.

Public health inspectors will follow-up on complaints of a business or organization that is not complying with mandatory mask requirements. Provincial fines could be issued to individuals and businesses that fail to comply with the masking requirements in Ontario Regulation 364/20. The minimum fine is $750, however much larger fines are possible for repeat offenders.

Members of the public are encouraged to be mindful about not assuming the reasons why a person may not be wearing a mask. Please treat all people with kindness and respect. If you have concerns, please speak with a supervisor or manager.

Examples of indoor areas include restaurants, retail stores, churches, libraries, sports facilities, gyms, personal service settings, common areas and waiting rooms, public transportation, and business vehicles.

Masks are also required in common areas of shared dwellings (i.e. apartment buildings, condominiums, etc.), such as in hallways, elevators, common rooms, lobbies, and laundry areas IF people cannot maintain physical distancing at ALL times when in these areas. Residents are strongly encouraged though to wear a mask any time they are outside of their unit.

There are some situations when wearing a mask indoors is not required. See "Are there any times when I don't need to wear a mask indoors?" below.

Children under two should not wear masks. Children over two are expected to wear a mask or face covering in the indoor areas of a business or organization, unless exemptions apply.

Masks are required for students in Grades 1-12 and encouraged for Kindergarten when they are:

indoors at school or a before/after school program;
outdoors at school when physical distancing can't be maintained; and/or
on a school bus.

Here are some ways to encourage your child to wear a mask:

Explain why. Use this as a teaching moment to explain why masks are important to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Use words they can understand and give them time to ask questions.
Give choices. Have a couple different masks for your child to choose from. Giving the option between wearing the blue mask or the pink mask helps make your child feel independent and in control, especially in a time when things may be changing frequently.
Include masks during playtime. Let your kids play with clean cloth masks in a space where they feel comfortable. This can help them become more comfortable with the masks.
Lead by example. When you are going to an indoor public space, show your child how you wear your mask and talk about why you are wearing it. Be a role model for your child to help normalize their use of masks.

Aside from the exemptions mentioned above, there are a few activity-based circumstances when wearing a mask indoors is not mandatory. These situations include:

While actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity including water-based activities.
When consuming food or drink.
While receiving services to areas of the face that would otherwise be covered by a face covering, when and where this is permitted under the regulations.
For any emergency or medical purpose.

*NOTE: Being fully vaccinated DOES NOT exempt an individual from mask requirements.

Masks are required* outdoors at foods establishments, including banquet facilities, whenever patrons are not consuming food or drinks or when they are not seated, even while dancing.

Masks are also required* to be worn by the public in the following outdoor situations, unless they are seated with members of their own household only, and every member of the household is seated at least two metres from every person outside their household:

When attending an outdoor concert, event, performance or movie;
As spectators at a sport or recreation activity;
When in the outdoor area of a racing venue (i.e. horse racing track, car racing track).

Masks are recommended in any outdoor situation where 2 metres of physical distancing can not be maintained from others outside of your household.

*unless mask exemptions apply. Being fully vaccinated DOES NOT exempt an individual from mask requirements. Everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, must continue to wear a mask where required unless they are entitled to one of the six exemptions noted above (see the Who is exempt from wearing a mask? tab).

Yes, across all of Ontario, masks are currently required to be worn in all indoor spaces of a business or organization, including business vehicles, as well as in certain outdoor situations, unless an exemption applies. This is mandated under Ontario Regulation 364/20.

Face masks or coverings must be worn by clients at all times EXCEPT:

When receiving services on an area of their face that would otherwise be covered by a face covering. (i.e. beard trim, lip wax, facial etc.)
While consuming food or drink. Food and drink are not to be consumed while receiving services. While eating or drinking, a client must maintain 2 metres of physical distancing from any other client or worker.
Where an exemption applies (see the list of acceptable exemptions noted in the tab above). NOTE: if an exemption applies, the staff may make efforts to schedule your appointment when there are no other clients or workers present (i.e. outside of regular business hours). If it is not possible to do so, the client must maintain physical distancing from all other workers/clients.

When a worker is providing services to a client and physical distancing cannot be maintained or an appropriate barrier is not in place (i.e. plexiglass or other impermeable barrier), the worker must wear a disposable medical-grade mask and eye protection.

For more information, including cleaning of reusable masks and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations for masks, see the Masks/Face Covering page.