
As of October 3, face coverings are required to be worn in all indoor public spaces and while using transit throughout the Province of Ontario under Ontario Regulation 364/20
In Ontario, any person in the indoor area of a business or organization, or in a vehicle that is operating as part of the business or organization, must wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose, and chin during any period when they are in the indoor area, unless the person in the indoor area:
- is a child who is younger than two years of age
- is attending a school or private school that is operated in accordance with a return to school direction issued by the Ministry of Education and approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
- is attending a child care program at a place that is in compliance with the child care re-opening guidance issued by the Ministry of Education
- is receiving residential services and supports in a residence listed in the definition of "residential services and supports" in subsection 4 (2) of the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008
- is in a correctional institution or in a custody and detention program for young persons in conflict with the law
- is performing or rehearsing in a film or television production or in a concert, artistic event, theatrical performance or other performance
- has a medical condition that inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering
- is unable to put on or remove their mask or face covering without the assistance of another person
- needs to temporarily remove their mask or face covering while in the indoor area
- to receive services that require the removal of their mask or face covering
- to engage in an athletic or fitness activity
- to consume food or drink
- as may be necessary for the purposes of health and safety
- is being accommodated in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
- is being reasonably accommodated in accordance with the Human Rights Code
- performs work for the business or organization, and is in an area that is not accessible to members of the public and is able to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person while in the indoor area
Prior to the provincial announcement, Chatham-Kent Council voted in favour of having a Mandatory Mask By-Law. This by-law requires that face coverings be worn in all indoor public spaces. Face coverings became required in all indoor public spaces in Chatham-Kent on Friday, August 14. Please visit the Government of Canada website for full details regarding 3-layer mask wearing to ensure proper material, structure, and fit are selected.
To assist you in learning about face coverings, here are some great resources!
Wearing a mask is only one aspect of reducing the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to abide by the following public health measures:
- Maintain physical distancing of two metres at all times
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol frequently
- Stay home (not going into the community or to work) if you’re not feeling well, and get tested for COVID-19.
For any concerns regarding the by-law, please contact COVID-19 Enforcement or phone 519.360.1998. In addition, please check out the Municipality's Mask By-law FAQ page!