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On July 13, 2020, St. Catharines City Council passed By-Law No. 2020-97, requiring that all visitors and staff in enclosed public spaces to wear a face mask or covering at all times.
By-law came into effect on July 17, 2020.
Note: On Oct. 13, 2020, St. Catharines City Council passed an amendment extending the by-law to include common areas of residential apartment buildings and condominium buildings.
COVID-19 spreads readily in indoor spaces, especially where physical separation of two metres between individuals is not possible or difficult. With recovery efforts underway more people are sharing indoor spaces. With growing evidence that masks operate as a barrier preventing those with COVID-19, including asymptomatic individuals, from spreading it to others, ensuring mask use is widely adopted will help to slow the spread of the virus while ensuring re-opening efforts continue.
Continue reading, or check out our Mandatory Masks By-Law FAQ for more information.
Please show respect to fellow residents who are not wearing a mask. They may be exempt for medical reasons. A list of exemptions are outlined below.
Please note: the Niagara Region has also passed a mandatory mask by-law that applies to the entirety of Niagara, with further stipulations and exemptions that must also be followed. Visit the Region's mask by-law page for more information.
Under the by-law any cloth (non-medical) mask, medical mask or other face covering such as a bandana or scarf may be used, provided it securely covers the nose, mouth and chin without gaps.
Face / mouth shields do not not meet the requirements of the City by-law. Face coverings are recommended for the general public to wear. Face / mouth shields are not a substitute for wearing a face covering as they don't filter respiratory droplets. Face shields are intended to be used by health care workers and are worn in addition to other personal protective equipment.
A face covering creates a complete or near-complete barrier on the sides of the wearer's face. A face shield is open on the sides, and a plastic mouth shield is open on the top, which allows particles and aerosols to enter and exit. Wearing a face / mouth shield alone doesn't meet the requirements of the City and Regional by-laws. A face shield may be worn in addition to a face covering if so desired.
The by-law applies to all enclosed (indoor) public space open to the public, including establishments where a fee or membership is required for admission. Please note the requirement only applies to persons in spaces open to the public, staff in employees-only spaces, or those behind protective barriers such as plexiglass do not need to wear a mask.
Enclosed public spaces, include, but are not limited to:
Any place of business where goods or services are offered for sale e.g. retail, personal and professional service businesses
Please show respect to fellow residents who are not wearing a mask. They may be exempt for medical reasons.
There are certain individuals who are exempt from the requirements. Exemptions include:
Masks can be temporarily removed if the service provided requires they be removed. Exemptions include:
Certain enclosed public spaces are also exempt from the by-law. They are:
Business owners will be required to develop a written policy prohibiting persons from entering the enclosed space, or remaining within it, unless that person is wearing a mask.
Additionally, business owners will be required to post clear and prominent signage at entry points that visitors and employees are required to wear a mask in accordance with the by-law.
The policy must be available for inspection by enforcement officers by request, and should outline not only the mask requirement but also the exemptions mentioned above. The policy must also require employees within areas accessible by the public to also wear masks and all employees must be trained in the requirements of the policy.
Businesses are also expected to have hand sanitizer at entrances / exits to the premises.
The policy must also outline exemptions for temporary removal of masks.
Businesses can download digital copies of printable signs for posting at entrances below, in addition to a mask policy they can complete and print.
While transportation is exempt from the by-law the St. Catharines Transit Commission has made the decision to voluntarily comply with the by-law. Transit is asking its riders, and those visiting its facilities, to wear a mask or face covering.
Niagara Region Public Health provides the following guidance for effective and safe use of face coverings:
Face coverings are recommended for the general public to wear. Face / mouth shields are not a substitute for wearing a face covering as they don't filter respiratory droplets. Face shields are intended to be used by health care workers and are worn in addition to other personal protective equipment.
A face covering creates a complete or near-complete barrier on the sides of the wearer's face. A face shield is open on the sides, and a plastic mouth shield is open on the top, which allows particles and aerosols to enter and exit. Wearing a face / mouth shield alone doesn't meet the requirements of the Regional by-law. A face shield may be worn in addition to a face covering if so desired.