Face Coverings

What is a face covering?

A face covering is worn over your nose, mouth, and chin to prevent you from spreading droplets (from breathing, coughing, or sneezing) to other people. With the arrival of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and new information about COVID itself, we ask you to wear a well-fitting medical mask where possible. These not only protect the people around you – but provide better protection to you as the wearer. 

According to Health Canada, face coverings should: 

• be made of at least three layers 
• be large enough to cover the nose, mouth, and chin completely and comfortably without gaping 
• fit snugly to the nose, mouth and chin and secured to the head with ties or ear loops 
• allow for easy breathing 
• be comfortable when worn so as not to require frequent adjusting 
• be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty 

What should be used as a face covering?

The below guidance does not apply to settings where specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. Click here for more information about PPE for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19, Universal Masking in Healthcare Settings and Retirement Homes, and certain Workplaces.

The best face covering is a well-fitted medical mask (level 3 or higher). Public Health Ontario recommends a respirator (KN95) or well-fitted medical mask to protect against the Omicron variant.  

A respirator (like a KN95) worn in the community does not need formal “fit testing”. While respirator masks are designed to create a seal to the face, they do not filter all air inhaled. 
 
Reasonable Alternative: 
The Public Health Agency of Canada has stated that some high-quality, three-layer non-medical masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 similarly to medical masks if they: 

• fit well, 
• have multiple layers, including at least two layers of breathable tightly woven fabric, such as cotton or linen, and 
• an effective third middle filter layer, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric. 

 
Do Not Use: 

• Scarves, bandanas, and neck gaiters are not well secured to the head or ears and are likely to move or slip out of place. 
• Masks with exhalation valves don’t protect others from COVID-19 and do not limit the spread of the virus.   
• Face shields used alone do not prevent droplets from spreading as they do not provide a snug fit around the nose, chin, or mouth as required. 

Why have the recommendations for masking changed? 

The Omicron variant is currently the dominant variant in Ontario. The evidence of increased transmissibility, potential immune evasion, and disease severity is rapidly emerging, but a complete picture is still unclear. There is the potential for an exponential growth of cases, so it is necessary to use public health measures effectively, such as community masking.

Public Health Ontario is recommending medical masks, respirators, and well-fitted three-layer non-medical masks as the preferential way to control the transmission of COVID-19 and the variants of concern. 

Fit is important for all mask types, as it is a key factor in its effectiveness. 

How do I know my mask fits properly?

It is important to remember the following when fitting your mask: 

• Make sure your mask completely covers your nose, mouth, and chin. 
• Check for gaps between your face and your mask. 
  • Check the top, sides, and bottom of your mask. 
  • Check the edges of your mask for air leaks and adjust if necessary. 
• Improve mask fit so that it’s snug and has no gaps. 
  • Adjust the ties, bands, or ear loops. 
  • Adjust the nosepiece. 

Health Canada has additional resources that will assist in making sure that your mask fits properly. This will ensure that masks provide optimal protection against the spread of COVID-19.  

When should I wear a face covering?

Masks are required in indoor community settings and at organized outdoor events where physical distancing may not be possible or where there are crowds (including settings with vaccination requirements). 

They are also required in workplaces and in vehicles that operate as part of a business or organization. Although there may be settings or areas where masks are not required, wearing a mask is an added layer of prevention and protection. 

Is it mandatory for businesses to require their staff and customers to wear face coverings?

Yes, the person who is responsible for a business or organization that is open shall ensure that any person in the indoor area of the premises of the business or organization, or in a vehicle that is operating as part of the business or organization, wears a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose, and chin. 

Full details about the mandatory mask or face coverings regulation including exemptions, are available on the province of Ontario website. 

In what situations may a face covering be exempt?

Certain individuals may be exempt from wearing a face covering. The Ontario regulation regarding face coverings outlines specific exemptions. There are very few people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. 

Please help contain COVID-19 by wearing a mask. Do not make a false exemption claim. Wearing a face covering is an incredibly caring act to protect other people from illness. Find more information in this resource: What to know about face masks and lung health. 

Please Note: If someone has an exemption, they are not required to provide proof and no person should be turned away if they are unable to wear a mask. 

How can I report a non-compliant business?

What about my child?

Children can be symptomatic (showing symptoms) or asymptomatic (without symptoms) carriers of COVID-19. Children over the age of 2 should wear a face covering to protect those around them. Refer to the provincial regulations regarding who should wear a face covering for full details.  

Face coverings are not required for children under two years of age; or children under the age of five years either chronologically or developmentally who refuse to wear a face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver. 

You can encourage your child by: 

• Talking with your child 
  • o Explain the importance of wearing a face covering in simple terms to help them understand why its required. 
  • o Listen to their feelings and concerns and allow them to ask questions. 
• Choosing a face covering with your child 
  • o If you can include your child in selecting the pattern and/or colour of their masks. Children like to make some choices for themselves. 
• Including masks in play 
  • o Children have great imaginations – see what they come up with by having a cloth mask available at playtime so they can explore and play with it. This will let them become more comfortable with the look and feel of the mask. 
• Setting an example 
  • o Show your kids how you put on your mask and explain why you are wearing it (to protect those around you) to be a role model for your kids. 

Where can I find medical masks, respirators, or three-layer non-medical masks?

Masks are available at a variety of different locations and stores for personal use. For bulk purchases for workplaces or other businesses you can access them directly from the Ontario Government Workplace PPE Supplier Directory or from local suppliers on the Alternative PPE Supplier List.