As of today, you will be required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces, accessible by the public, in Simcoe County and Muskoka District.
The requirement is part of an order issued by the medical officer of health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
“As we prepare for the future, which in Stage 3 will see the opening of more businesses, and the return of many services and activities, we need to add the protective measure of face coverings,” states the health unit website.
Medical officer of health, Dr. Charles Gardner, said face coverings are an additional protection measure, and people should still be practising physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying home when sick.
Here’s what you need to know about the order that officially starts today:
- The order requires face coverings such as non-medical masks, bandanas, scarves, or cloth masks to cover the mouth, nose, and chin in all indoor spaces with public access;
- Face shields are not accepted face coverings for the purpose of this order;
- Face coverings will be required indoors at stores, indoor farmers’ markets, food premises, personal service settings, churches or faith settings, mechanic shops and garages in areas open to the public, libraries, community centres, public transit and private transportation services, public spaces in office buildings;
- Schools, child care centres and indoor/outdoor day camps are not included in the mask order; and
- Employees working with members of the public are required to wear a face mask unless they are behind a plexiglass barrier.
Dr. Gardner has also included some exemptions for his mask order. Children under two years old should not wear a mask. Children between two and five years of age (chronologically or developmentally) do not have to wear a mask if they will not tolerate it.
Anyone unable to remove the mask without help does not have to wear a mask.
People with medical conditions that make it unsafe for them to wear a mask are exempt from the order.
Those who cannot cover their face due to religious reasons do not have to wear a mask.
Masks will not be required during moderate to intense physical activity.
You do not need to provide proof of an exemption, nor do you have to provide details. According to the health unit, you can simply mention you are “exempt” and will not be forced to wear a mask.
Businesses are not required to turn away customers who are not wearing a mask, but businesses, organizations and public transit have the right to deny entry.
“We have instructed businesses to verbally remind customers to wear a face covering,” states the health unit website.
You can be fined for not complying with the order. However, the specific wording of the order requires businesses and organizations to have a policy and notices in place requiring customers and employees to wear masks.
For more information about the mandatory mask order for Simcoe-Muskoka region, click here.
