Masks to be Mandatory in the Town of Caledon

A face covering is a mask, bandana or scarf made of cloth, linen or other similar fabric that fits securely to the head and is large enough to completely and comfortably cover the mouth, nose and chin without gaping. Medical masks such as those used by healthcare workers (e.g. surgical masks, N95 masks) are acceptable but not mandatory.

Face Shield

A face shield is not an effective alternative to wearing a mask or face covering as it does not provide full coverage of the mouth, nose and chin and does not contain your respiratory droplets.

If a face shield is used, it should be used together with a mask. If used on its own, a face shield should cover below the chin and wrap around the sides of the face. Throw out disposable face shields after each use, or if reusable, clean and disinfect after each use.

• Children two years of age or younger;
• Children between the ages of three and five who refuse to wear a face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver;
• People who have trouble breathing or are otherwise unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons or for reason of disability, including people who are unable to remove masks without assistance;
• People who are eating or drinking in businesses that are permitted to operate under the Emergency Order;
• People who are receiving services involving the face (e.g. spa/salon) provided such services are permitted under the Emergency Order and physical distancing is maintained;
• People who are engaged in an athletic, fitness or aquatic activity in accordance with the Emergency Orders;
• Employees and agents of the Operator or Municipality within an area that is not open for public access, or within or behind a physical barrier.

• Retail stores where goods and services are sold to customers;
• Businesses that primarily sell food including restaurants, supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries and convenience stores;
• Churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and other places of worship, except during a religious rite or ceremony that is incompatible with the face being covered;
• Indoor sports and recreational facilities and clubhouses;
• Shopping malls or similar structure which contains multiple places of business;
• Businesses providing personal care services;
• Common areas of hotels and motels and other short-term accommodations, such as lobbies, elevators, meeting rooms or other common use facilities but does not include the common areas of residential apartment buildings and condominiums;
• Libraries, museums, galleries and other similar facilities;
• Banquet halls, conventions centres, arenas, stadiums and other event spaces;
• Concert venues, theatres, cinemas, casinos and other entertainment establishments;
• Premises utilized as an open house, presentation centre, or other facility for real estate purposes;
• Buildings owned and operated by the Municipality; and
• Other businesses, organizations and places that are permitted to operate in accordance with the Emergency Orders.

• Day cares, schools, post-secondary institutions and other facilities used solely for educational purposes;
• School transportation vehicles;
• Hospitals and portions of buildings used by regulated health professionals;
• Buildings and services owned or operated by the Province of Ontario or the Federal Government of Canada;
• Portions of community centres, arenas or other buildings that are being used for the purpose of providing day camps for children or for the training of amateur or professional athletes; and
• Portions of community centres, arenas or other buildings owned or operated by the Municipality used for the purposes of providing community services or programs for which registration is required.

We all have to do our part to stop the spread of the coronavirus and that includes wearing masks in indoor public spaces. The pandemic is causing considerable disruption to our lives, to the economy, to our usual routines...and many people are experiencing hardship due to job loss, social isolation, and other factors. It is in everyone’s best interest to remember that “we are all in this together” and to treat one another with kindness and respect.

Having said that, owners/operators do have a duty to ensure that they have a policy in place and that there is visible signage so their customers or patrons are aware of, and comply with, the requirement to wear masks.
For more information on the by-law, call the Town of Caledon at 905-584-2272.

It is very important that those that can wear a mask/face covering do so in public indoor places.  Our preferred approach to those not in compliance is to educate them on the importance of the new temporary by-law. If necessary the Town can issue orders to anyone not in compliance to either leave the premises or put a mask on. If someone is charged under this by-law, fines from $500 up to $100,000 can be levied. (For more information view the full version of the by-law at www.caledon.ca/by-laws.)