York Region Mandatory Use of Face Masks and Coverings

The Regional Municipality of York has endorsed a recommendation from York Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karim Kurji to issue an instruction (letter attached) requiring operators of enclosed public spaces in York Region to have a policy in place that prohibits persons from entering premises of the establishment if the person is not wearing a face mask or covering, subject to appropriate exemptions.

Effective Friday, July 17, 2020 as of 12:01 a.m. and continuing until 11:59 p.m. November 30, 2020, business owners and operators in York Region must have a policy in place to prohibit people from entering if they are not wearing a face mask or covering. Customers, employees and visitors who enter enclosed public spaces must wear a face mask or covering.

This Instruction applies to the following establishments:

• -  Premises or any portion thereof which are used as a place of business for the sale or offering for sale of goods or services, and includes a mall or similar structure which contains multiple places of business
• -  Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, or other places of worship
• -  Community centres including indoor recreational facilities
• -  Libraries, art galleries, museums, aquariums, zoos and other similar facilities
• -  Community service agencies providing services to the public
• -  Banquet halls, convention centres, arenas, stadiums, and other event spaces
• -  Premises utilized as an open house, presentation centre, or other facility for real estate purposes
• -  Common areas of hotels, motels and other short-term rentals, such as lobbies, elevators, meeting rooms or other common use facilities
• -  Concert venues, theatres, cinemas, casinos, and other entertainment facilities

Exempt:

The Instruction does not apply to the following premises, even if they would fall under the definition of an establishment:

• -  York Region Transit (YRT has its own bylaw requiring individuals wear a face covering while on transit vehicles or property)
• -  Schools
• -  Post-secondary institutions
• -  Child care facilities
• -  Private transportation
• -  Hospitals, independent health facilities
• -  Offices of regulated health professionals
• -  Apartment buildings and condominiums, including their common areas
• -  An area that is not enclosed or indoors (e.g. restaurant patio)

Wearing a face mask or covering when in public or other settings is not a replacement for following proven measures such as handwashing and physical distancing of at least 2-metres.

Information for Business Owners and Operators

• -  You must create a mask policy for your establishment
• -  You must communicate this new policy to staff and customers
  • -  Download sample policy available for adaptation (Microsoft Word sample document attached)
• -  You must train your staff on the policy and who is exempt
• -  All staff, customers or visitors must wear a mask indoors, with some exceptions (e.g. children under the age of five and people with certain health conditions, employees in designated areas or protected by a physical barrier)
• -  Proof is not required if someone has an exemption
• -  Signage must be posted at all entrances advising everyone to wear a mask
  • -  Download "Mask or Face Covering Required" signage

Frequently Asked Questions and more details available here.