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.
As of March 2022: Masks are no longer mandatory
As of April 2022: Masks are no longer mandatory in stores
As of March 2022: Masks are no longer mandatory.
As of March 2022: Masks are no longer mandatory in stores
As of March 2022: Masks are no longer mandatory.
As of April 2022: Masks are no longer mandatory.
As of March 2022: Masks are no longer mandatory
As of July 2022: Masks are no longer mandatory