As restrictions loosen, various jurisdictions are removing some of the previously mandated requirements on the use of masks or face coverings. RCC has summarized where masks continue to be required.
Notes (applying to most regions)
Face Shields: Unless otherwise indicated, face shields do not meet the requirement as masks or face coverings. Individuals are able to wear a face shield in addition to a mask if they wish.
Warehouses/Head Offices: The requirements generally apply to all businesses who interact with the public (e.g. retail stores, shopping malls) and not to commercial buildings without public access such as warehouses or head offices. Please check your local area to see if requirements apply to non-public building (such as in Quebec).
Exemptions: Each by-law/health order contains exemptions for individuals who are unable to wear a face covering for medical or age reasons, as well as other reasonable accommodations. Retailers are not required to ask for a doctor’s note or proof of exemption. See individual by-laws in your region for specifics.
NEW: RCC retailer survey on masking
RCC asked over 40 retailers representing more than 6,000 storefronts to share their policies on mask rules as provincial mandates continue to lift across the county. For those retailers who are no longer requiring masks or planning to no longer require masks of associates, over 95% of respondents will encourage/support staff if they choose to wear masks even if they are not required to do so. And 48% will maintain any messaging (signs or otherwise) indicating that customers may/should continue to wear masks but that they are not required to do so. For more insights, click the button below.
Effective date: March 11, 2022
Masks are required for everyone in all public indoor settings and workplaces, including retail stores and coffee
The health order requiring masks in indoor public spaces ended at 12:01 a.m. PST on March 11, 2022. Masks are still recommended, but not required, on public transit and BC Ferries.
For public schools (K to 12) the requirement ends upon return to school from spring break in March 2022.
Effective date: March 1, 2022
Health Orders no longer require mandatory masking
Effective date: February 28, 2022
Mandatory masking is no longer required.
Effective date: March 1, 2022
As of March 15, mandatory masks will no longer be required.
For Retail Stores:
Ontario requires the use of a face covering (non-medical mask, such as a cloth mask) in public indoor spaces and wherever physical distancing is a challenge. This includes public indoor retail spaces. Retail settings inaccessible to the public (backrooms, etc.) follow the workplace guidelines, wherein the use of a face covering is required in scenarios where a physical distance of at least 2 metres cannot be maintained.
There are exemptions to Ontario’s face covering rules for children under two, based on a medical exemption, or for persons who are being reasonably accommodated under the Human Rights Code or under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
For 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. In scenarios were physical distancing cannot be maintained, a mask is required. An example: you do not need a mask if at a physically distanced desk, but should wear a mask while roaming office hallways.
Effective date: July 18, 2020
Wearing a mask or face covering that covers the nose and mouth is mandatory in enclosed or partially enclosed public places for people age 10 and over (exception for medical conditions). Retailers must ensure that customers without masks may not enter the premise (unless exempt from masks all together). Fines can go up to $6000. As of September 12, 2020, consumers can also be fined directly by authorities for refusing to comply with sanitary measures including wearing a mask or face covering.
All employees in the red and orange zones must wear a procedure mask if they cannot respect social distancing or a physical barrier . As of December 2020, it is possible for employers to provide certified reusable masks to employees who are unable to maintain social distancing. More information available on certification standards via the Bureau de la normalisation du Quebec.
More information is available from CNESST.
Reinstated on December 5, 2021
Face masks are required in all indoor settings and all outdoor settings where 2 metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained. See Winter Action Plan.
Please note that while businesses and organizations are not required to request written proof of exemption for individuals who state they are exempt from wearing masks in public indoor spaces, they hold the right to do so. Read more here.
Retailers must continue to follow their COVID-19 Operational Plans.
Effective date: July 30, 2020
- Face masks are required in all indoor settings and all outdoor settings where 2 metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Exemptions include people with valid medical reason (retailers are not required to ask for proof), children under two, and children up to four if children will not co-operate with putting mask on.
- A business or government official can ask you to remove your mask for identification purposes (you can remove it momentarily for this reason).
Retailers must continue to follow their COVID-19 Operational Plans.
Reinstated September 17, 2021
Non-medical masks are mandatory for all indoor public places. Exemptions include children under 2, as well as those with valid medical reasons or disabilities that make it challenging to wear a facial covering.
Retailers must continue to follow their COVID-19 Operational Plans.
Reinstated September 17, 2021
Non-medical masks are mandatory for all indoor public places. Exemptions include children under 2, as well as those with valid medical reasons or disabilities that make it challenging to wear a facial covering.
Retailers must continue to follow their COVID-19 Operational Plans.
Non-medical masks are required in all indoor public spaces, including shopping centres, service businesses such as mechanics or cleaners and personal care services such as hair salons. Children under the age of 2 and those who cannot wear a mask for a medical reason will be exempt.
Masks are mandatory in indoor public places..