COVID-19 Mandatory Masks By-law

Definition of a mask and proper use

As per the COVID-19 Mandatory Masks By-law, you can cover your face with any cloth (non-medical) mask, medical mask, or other face covering, such as a bandana or scarf. Your mask must securely cover your nose, mouth and chin with no gaps.

Face and mouth shields

Face and mouth shields do not meet the requirements of the City's and Region's by-laws and are not a substitute for a face covering as described above, as they do not filter respiratory droplets. A proper face covering creates a complete barrier on the sides of the wearer's face. A face shield is open on both sides and a plastic mouth shield is open at the top, which allows respiratory droplets and particles to enter and exit.

Face shields are intended to be used by healthcare and other workers and are worn in addition to other personal protective equipment (PPE). You may wear a face shield in addition to a proper face covering in enclosed public spaces if you would like.

Proper mask use

View Niagara Region's guidance and instructions on how to safely wear a face mask.

Areas and spaces where you must wear a mask

The City's by-law applies to all enclosed, indoor public spaces open to the public. This includes establishments where a fee or membership is required for admission. Staff in employee-only spaces, or those behind barriers, such as plexiglass, do not need to wear a mask.

Enclosed public spaces include, but aren't limited to:

• Any place of business where goods or services are offered for sale, such as retail, personal and professional service businesses
• Areas of City facilities open to the public
• Common areas of hotels, motels, residential apartment buildings, condominium buildings, rental and other accommodations, including elevators, lobbies, rest rooms, laundry rooms, gyms and kitchens
• Entertainment, recreation and cultural venues, such as museums, galleries, bingo halls, banquet halls, community centres, cinemas and concert venues
• Food-sales businesses, including restaurants, cafés, grocery stores and convenience stores
• Indoor sports and recreational facilities, such as gyms, arenas, yoga studios and clubhouses
• Locations used as an open house, presentation centre or other real-estate facility
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and similar structures

St. Catharines Transit

Despite being listed as an exemption, the St. Catharines Transit Commission is voluntarily complying with the by-law. Transit is asking its riders and those visiting its facilities to wear a mask.

Exemptions

Some exemptions to the by-law apply. Please show respect to fellow residents who are not wearing a mask. They may be exempt for valid medical reasons.

Individual exemptions

• Children under the age of 10
  • Niagara Region's Face Covering By-law further limits this exemption to children under the age of 5 and provincial regulations have further limited this exemption to children under the age of 2
• Individuals assisting or accommodating another person with a hearing disability
• Individuals who are unable to apply or remove a mask without assistance
• Individuals with medical conditions which prevent them from wearing a mask, such as breathing difficulties and cognitive difficulties
• Individuals with protections, including reasonable accommodations in accordance with Ontario's Human Rights Code that would prevent them from wearing a mask

Service-based exemptions

Masks can be temporarily removed if the service you are receiving, delivering or engaged in requires it. These exemptions include:

• Actively engaging in athletic or fitness activity, including water-based activities
• Consuming food or drinks
• Emergency or medical purposes
• Participating in religious rights or ceremonies not compatible with the face being covered
• Receiving services
• While actively delivering vocal artistic performances arranged for by the operator of the establishment

Enclosed public space exemptions

• Buildings and services owned and/or operated by the Province of Ontario or Federal Government of Canada
• Day cares, child-care facilities, day camps for children, schools and post-secondary institutions
• Hospitals, independent health facilities and offices of regulated health professionals
• Private and public transportation
  • The St. Catharines Transit Commission is voluntarily complying with the by-law. Transit is its asking riders and those visiting its facilities to wear a mask.

Requirements and resources for businesses and public space operators

Business owners and public space operators are required to develop a written policy prohibiting anyone from entering the enclosed space, or remaining within it, unless they are wearing a mask.

• The policy must note the exemptions for individuals and service-based temporary removal of masks above

• The policy must require employees within areas accessible by the public to wear masks
• The policy must be available for inspection by enforcement officers by request
• Employees must be trained in the policy's requirements

You can download printable resources for your business and public space, including:

• Mandatory Mask By-law Entrance Sign
• Mask Reminder Poster for Indoor Spaces
• Mask Policy Form

You can also download our Mandatory Mask By-law Operator Implementation Guide, which outlines requirements, definitions, personal and service exemptions, how to develop a mask policy and more.