Revised February 18, 2021
COVID-19 Checklist on Mask By-law & Sample Policy
Under the Reopening Ontario Act, the use of masks or face coverings is mandatory in all indoor
public settings across Ontario. Wearing a mask or face covering is also mandatory in a vehicle that
is operated as part of a business or organization. Read the Province of Ontario regulations for full
details.
In addition to provincial regulations on mandatory mask or face coverings, the City of Toronto By-
law 541-2020 and City of Toronto By-law 664-20 require a mask or face covering to be worn in all
indoor public spaces in Toronto and in common areas in apartments and condominiums.
More information about masks and face coverings is available here.
The following checklist will help business operators comply with the City of Toronto by-laws.
Operators can use and adapt the sample policy as appropriate for their organization.
Checklist of Requirements for Establishment Owners/Operators
Create a mask policy for your establishment (see sample policy below).
Communicate this new policy to employees, visitors, patrons and tenants.
Post signs at all entrances to the premises in high visibility areas containing the following text:
ALL PERSONS ENTERING OR REMAINING IN THESE PREMISES SHALL WEAR
A MASK OR FACE COVERING WHICH COVERS THE NOSE, MOUTH AND
CHIN AS REQUIRED UNDER CITY OF TORONTO BY-LAW 541-2020.
The mandatory mask or face covering poster can be downloaded for this purpose.
Also find the poster in multiple languages.
Train your employees on the City by-law and your policy, including who is exempt.
Train your employees on how to communicate with, and accommodate people who are unable
to wear a mask. Communicate in a respectful and non-stigmatizing way.
Consider offering alternative services to people who are unable to wear a mask. For example,
provide online, telephone, curbside pickup or off-peak hour services.
Communicate these options to employees, visitors, patrons and tenants (e.g. post a sign in
the window).
Revised February 18, 2021
Ensure that all employees, visitors, patrons and tenants wear a mask that covers their nose,
mouth and chin indoors, unless they are exempt (e.g. children under the age of two and people
with certain health conditions).
Do not request proof of an exemption. People who are unable to wear a mask due to age,
health or other reasons do not require proof for the exemption.
Provide a verbal reminder to employees, visitors, patrons and tenants to wear a mask.
Other Resources
Guidance for Employers on Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace
Guidance for Employers on Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace
COVID-19 Workplace Reporting Tool
Have questions? Call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 (8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
Revised February 18, 2021
Sample Policy
Mandatory Use of Mask or Face Covering within _____________ [Name of Establishment]__ ________
All employees, visitors, patrons and tenants are required to wear a mask or face covering upon
entering and remaining within any enclosed public space or common area of ___________________
[name of Establishment] ____________________________________________________________. The mask or face
covering must cover the nose, mouth and chin.
Employees must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (i.e. surgical/procedure mask and
eye protection (goggles or face shield) that provides protection of their eyes, nose and mouth) if,
while in an indoor area, they:
are required to come within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask or face
covering in a manner that covers that person’s nose, mouth and chin; and
are not separated from that person by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.
Temporary removal of the mask is permitted where necessary for the purposes of:
receiving services;
eating or drinking while sitting down in a designated area, where permitted,
engaging in an athletic or fitness activity; or
performing or rehearsing in a film or television production or in a concert, artistic event,
theatrical performance or other performance.
The following people are exempted from requiring a mask or face covering and will not be
required to provide proof of such exemption:
Children under two years of age.
Individuals with an underlying medical condition that inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face
covering.
Individuals who are unable to place, remove, or use a mask or face covering without assistance.
Employees and operators of the establishment, in a designed area not for public access or
within or behind a physical barrier who are able to maintain a physical distance of at least two
metres from every other person in the indoor area.
Individuals who are reasonably accommodated by not wearing a mask or face covering in
accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Individuals who are reasonably accommodated under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Revised February 18, 2021
Operators must ensure that employees are aware of and understand all components of this policy.
Operators must ensure that employees are trained on implementing this policy, including how to
respond to various circumstances, should they arise, such as:
patron arrives without a mask because they forgot or don't have one;
patron arrives who is exempt from wearing a mask;
patron wants more information about the policy and by-law;
patron becomes aggressive about the policy and mask requirements;
patron wants information about the importance of wearing a mask or the science on the use of
masks; and
patron wants to know if they can be fined for not wearing a mask.
Operators must ensure that a sign about the by-law is posted at all entrances of the premise in a
manner that is visible to the public. A mandatory mask or face covering poster is available in
English and other languages to download, print and post.
Employees must ensure that they review and understand this policy. Employees must follow and
implement this policy, as described.
This policy has been created in compliance with the City of Toronto By-law 541-2020 and/or City of
Toronto By-law 664-20.