Close Alert Banner
Close Browser Compatibility Banner
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Skip navigation
Back to Homepage
  • Living Here

    • A to Z Services
    • Animal Services and Control
    • Child Care and Early Learning
    • Community Services
    • Community Gardens
    • Council Members
    • COVID-19 INFORMATION CENTRE
    • Education and Schools
    • Emergency Services, Response and Planning
    • Employment Support
    • Environmental Sustainability
    • Events Calendar
    • Financial Assistance
    • Food Banks
    • Garbage and Recycling
    • Home Renovations
    • Housing and Shelter
    • New to Canada or Waterloo Region
    • News and Public Notices
    • Older Adults
    • Roads and Traffic
    • Safety and Crime Prevention
    • Taxes
    • Transportation and Transit
    • Water and Wastewater
  • Exploring the Region

    • About Waterloo Region
    • Airport
    • Archives
    • Arts, Culture and Heritage
    • Events Calendar
    • Exploring the Region
    • Forests and Trails
    • Library
    • Maps
    • Museums
    • Transportation and Transit
  • Doing Business

    • Applications, Licences and Permits
    • Bids and Tenders
    • Commercial Waste
    • Community Profile
    • Construction and Design Standards
    • Economic Development
    • Health Standards for Business
    • Incentive Programs
    • Key Initiatives
    • Key Sectors
    • Operating a Child Care Business
    • Payment Options
    • Planning and Development Services
    • Regional Investments
    • Spills Prevention and Response
    • Surplus Auction
    • Workplace Wellness
  • Health and Wellness

    • Alcohol and Drugs
    • Cannabis Vaping and Tobacco
    • Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan
    • Dementia Services
    • Environmental Health
    • Food and Drinking Water
    • Health Services and Resources
    • Healthy Living
    • Immunizations and Vaccines
    • Infection and Disease
    • Older Adult Health
    • Parenting and Child Health
    • Pregnancy and Baby's First Year
    • Public Health and Emergency Services
    • Public Health Inspections
    • Rehabilitation and Respite Care
    • School Health
    • Sexual Health
    • Sunnyside Home Long-Term Care
    • Sunnyside Wellness Centre
    • Youth Health
  • Regional Government

    • Agendas, Minutes and Webcasts
    • Awards
    • Budget and Financial Statements
    • By-laws
    • Careers and Volunteering
    • Commissioner of Oaths
    • Contact Us
    • Council
    • Departments
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Elections
    • News and Public Notices
    • Open Government
    • Provincial Offences Court and Traffic Tickets
    • Public Engagement
    • Regional Responsibilities - Who Does What in Government
    • Reports, Plans and Data
    • Strategic Plan
    • I want to...

View our Facebook Page View our Twitter Page View our YouTube Page

  • Infection and Disease
    Toggle Section
    • COVID-19
      Toggle Section
      • Adults and COVID-19
      • Children/Teens and COVID-19
      • Coronavirus FAQs
      • Coronavirus media briefing notes
      • COVID-19 assessment and testing centres in Waterloo Region
      • COVID-19 community supports
      • COVID-19 Coordinated Response - Newsletter
      • COVID-19 list of closures and service changes
      • COVID-19 vaccine
        Toggle Section
        • Community and cultural resources
        • COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Waterloo Region
        • COVID-19 vaccination pre-registration
        • COVID-19 vaccine communications toolkit
        • COVID-19 vaccine FAQs
        • Resources for First Nations, Métis and Inuit
        • Volunteer at a clinic
        • Waterloo Region COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force
      • Face Coverings
      • Orders and Instructions
      • Resources for health professionals
      • Resources for child care centres
      • Resources for tenants and landlords
      • Resources for workplaces
        Toggle Section
        • Recommendations for Retailers
        • Re-opening Mobile/Temporary Food Services
      • Safe Voluntary Isolation Site
      • School Resources for COVID-19
      • Submit a COVID-19 complaint
      • Submit a COVID-19 question
      • Waterloo Region COVID-19 Summary
    • Cancer
    • HIV and AIDS
    • Infection Prevention and Control Lapse Reports
    • Infectious Disease
    • Insect and Animal Diseases
    • Preventing Infections
    • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
    • Tuberculosis
  • Alcohol and Drugs
    Toggle Section
    • Alcohol
    • Cannabis
    • Consumption and Treatment Services
    • Harm Reduction
    • Safe Sharps Disposal
    • Waterloo Region Opioid Response Plan
    • Where to Get Help
  • Cannabis Vaping and Tobacco
    Toggle Section
    • Cannabis
      Toggle Section
      • Edibles, topicals and extracts
    • Second-Hand Smoke
    • Smoking Enforcement
    • Tobacco
      Toggle Section
      • Quit Smoking Medications
    • Vaping
    • Where to Get Help
  • Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan
  • Dementia Services
    Toggle Section
    • Sunnyside Home Long-Term Care
    • Sunnyside Campus
    • Sunnyside Foundation
    • Quality Care
    • Volunteers, Placements, and Careers
  • Environmental Health
    Toggle Section
    • Air Quality
    • Cooling and Warming Centres
    • Extreme Cold
    • Extreme Heat and Humidity
    • In the Home
    • LED Lights
    • Shade
    • Trichloroethylene
  • Food and Drinking Water
    Toggle Section
    • Drinking Water
    • Food Poisoning
    • Food Safety
    • Food Skills
    • Healthy Eating
  • Health Services and Resources
    Toggle Section
    • Find a Doctor
    • Health Care Providers
    • Healthy Kids Community Challenge
    • Hospitals
    • Parenting Support
    • Personal Health Privacy
    • Public Health Resource Library
    • Student Placements at Public Health
    • Types of Careers in Public Health
    • Walk-in Clinics
  • Healthy Living
    Toggle Section
    • Concussions
    • Food Skills
    • Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Relationships
    • Home Safety
    • Mental Wellness
    • Peer Program
    • Physical Activity
    • Sun Safety
    • Tattoos and Piercings
  • Immunizations and Vaccines
    Toggle Section
    • Flu
    • Hepatitis
    • HPV
    • Immunization Reporting
    • Meningitis
    • School Immunization
    • Travel Vaccines
    • Vaccine Schedule
  • Older Adult Health
    Toggle Section
    • Older Adult Vaccines
    • Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
    • Physical Activity and Older Adults
    • Slips, Trips and Falls
  • Parenting and Child Health
    Toggle Section
    • Child Safety
    • Children with Special Needs
    • Breastfeeding
    • Dental Health
    • Growth and Development
    • Healthy Eating and Children
    • Parenting Support
    • Physical Activity and Children
    • Positive Parenting
    • The Talk
    • Visual Health
  • Pregnancy and Baby's First Year
    Toggle Section
    • Artificial Baby Milk (Formula)
    • Baby Friendly Initiative
    • Breastfeeding
    • Child Safety
    • Feeding Your Baby Solids
    • Growth and Development
    • Healthy Pregnancy
    • Infant Sleep
    • Now Your Baby is Here
    • Online Prenatal Program
    • Planning for Pregnancy
  • Public Health and Emergency Services
  • Public Health Inspections
    Toggle Section
    • Beaches and Pools
    • Drinking Water
    • Food Safety
    • Salons and Spas
    • Tattoos and Piercings
  • Rehabilitation and Respite Care
    Toggle Section
    • Sunnyside Home Long-Term Care
    • Sunnyside Supportive Housing
    • Sunnyside Campus
    • Convalescent Care
    • Dementia Services
    • Respite
    • Sunnyside Wellness Centre
    • Sunnyside Foundation
    • Quality Care
    • Volunteers, Placements, and Careers
  • School Health
    Toggle Section
    • Active and Safe Routes to School
    • Health Enforcement
    • Playground Activity Leaders in Schools
    • Public Health Curriculum Support
    • Public Health Services
    • Return to school
    • Supporting Healthy Schools
  • Sexual Health
    Toggle Section
    • Contraception
    • Puberty and Sexual Health
    • Sexual Health Services
    • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
    • HIV and AIDS
  • Sunnyside Home Long-Term Care
    Toggle Section
    • Sunnyside Supportive Housing
    • Sunnyside Wellness Centre
    • Quality Care
    • Sunnyside Campus
    • Sunnyside Foundation
    • Volunteers, Placements, and Careers
  • Sunnyside Wellness Centre
    Toggle Section
    • Sunnyside Campus
    • Sunnyside Supportive Housing
    • Rehabilitation and Respite Care
    • Sunnyside Foundation
    • Quality Care
    • Volunteers, Placements, and Careers
  • Youth Health
    Toggle Section
    • Alcohol Drugs and Youth
    • Healthy Eating and Teens
    • Physical Activity and Teens
    • Puberty and Sexual Health
    • Young Adults and Smoking Cessation

Face Coverings

  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email This page Email
Home/.../Infection and Disease/COVID-19/Face Coverings

Fabric face mask

In Waterloo Region wearing a face covering in enclosed public places and on transit is required by the Face Covering By-law and/or the Code of Use By-law in Waterloo Region.

Face coverings are an additional tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Even if you have no symptoms a face covering can help contain your own respiratory droplets when you talk, cough, or sneeze. 

Choosing the right face covering

The Public Health Agency of Canada now recommends that Canadians choose masks made of at least three-layers with one of the layers being a filter to add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19. 

Choose a face covering that is:

  • Made of tightly woven cloth or fabric, with at least three layers 
    • Two-layers tightly woven fabric, such as cotton or linen on the inside and outside
    • A filter-type fabric or material for the third middle layer 
      • Single-use materials including a tissue or a paper towel
      • Reusable materials include those made of fabric, such as a third layer of cotton or linen or a layer of breathable non-woven polypropylene fabric (such as that used for crafting)
      • Do not use plastic or non-breathable materials
  • Secured by elastics or ties
    • Do not use tape
  • Fits snugly, with no gaps
  • Covers your nose, mouth and chin
  • Does not impair your vision

You can continue to wear your well-fitting, two-layer face coverings, since they work almost as well as three-layer masks, especially to block your respiratory droplets from others. However as you replace or add to your cloth masks, Region of Waterloo Public Health encourages you to choose three-layer masks

Wearing a face covering is not a replacement for other measures.

Wearing a face covering

Remember to:

  • Make sure the face covering is securely fastened and avoid touching your face 
  • Continue to wash your hands often with warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, while wearing a face covering
    • Clean your hands before touching your face covering and after your take it off
  • Continue to practice physical distancing whenever possible

For more information review our Face covering fact sheet.

Face coverings exemptions

The Face Covering By-law exempts:

  • Children under the age of five.
  • Those who are unable to wear a face covering as a result of a medical condition or a disability. Some disabilities are invisible so we ask people to respect that. The by-law does not require people to provide proof to support an exemption.
  • A person engaged in a sport or other strenuous physical activity.
  • A person who is assisting or accommodating someone who has a hearing loss or a hearing disability.
  • A person who is consuming food/drink as part of a religious activity within a place of worship.

No proof of any of the exemptions is required.

Show kindness to those unable to wear a face covering.

The Face Covering By-law also exempts the following establishments:

  • federal or provincial buildings
  • colleges, universities or schools
  • hospitals or health facilities
  • offices of regulated health professionals
  • employee-only areas of businesses and other buildings
  • outdoor areas in streets, parks, sports facilities and patios
  • child care facilities and day camps
  • care facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities

Face covering FAQs

Who should wear a face covering?

In Waterloo Region face coverings are required by by-law for anyone over the age of five in indoor public settings. 

For more information review the Face Covering By-law.

Who should not wear a face covering?

Face coverings are not required for children under the age of five or anyone who is unable to put on or remove a face covering without assistance or for whom a face covering would inhibit the person’s ability to breathe. 

For more information review the Face Covering By-law.

What type of fabric or cloth should I use?

The Public Health Agency of Canada now recommends that Canadians choose masks made of at least three-layers with one of the layers being a filter to add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19. Do not use plastic or non-breathable materials. 

Your face covering should:

  • Fit snugly, with no gaps
  • Allow for easy breathing
  • Fit securely 
  • Maintain its shape after washing and drying
  • Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustment
  • Be large enough to cover your nose, mouth and chin

You can continue to wear your well-fitting, two-layer face coverings, since they work almost as well as three-layer masks, especially to block your respiratory droplets from others. However as you replace or add to your cloth masks, Region of Waterloo Public Health encourages you to choose three-layer masks

What material can be used as a "filter"?

When considering a filter-type fabric or material for the third middle layer of your face covering you may: 

  • Single-use materials including a tissue or  paper towel
  • Reusable materials include those made of fabric, such as a third layer of cotton or linen or a layer of breathable non-woven polypropylene fabric (such as that used for crafting)
  • Do not use plastic or non-breathable materials
Can I wear a face shield instead?

For those who can wear a face covering, a face shield is not a substitute. A face shield does not protect others from your respiratory droplets. 

A face covering helps to contain your respiratory droplets. A face shield protects you from other people's respiratory droplets. If you choose to wear a face shield, you must also wear a face covering that covers your nose, mouth and chin.

However, for those who cannot wear a face covering, a face shield is better than no face covering.

Will a face covering protect me from COVID-19?

Wearing a face covering helps protect others from your respiratory droplets. The covering works to contain your respiratory droplets when you talk, cough or sneeze. You are protected when others wear a face covering. 

Face coverings are not a replacement for other public health measures. You must continue to:

  • Stay home if you have any symptoms and get tested
  • Maintain physical distancing (at least 2 metres) whenever possible
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer 
Should I wear a face covering when I exercise?

When exercising outdoors, physical distancing is recommended. Wearing a face covering while exercising may make it more difficult to breath. 

When fitness centres are are approved to re-open, face coverings would be required by the Face Covering By-law. However, a person engaged in a sport or other strenuous physical activity would be exempt from wearing a face covering. 

Can I wear my face covering all day?

Your face covering may be worn all day, as long as it does not become damaged, damp or dirty. Make sure to clean your hands before you put on, adjust or remove your face covering. 

Do not reuse your face covering if it is moist, dirty or damaged. Do not wear your around your neck or on your ears between uses. 

Reusable face coverings should be washed with hot, soapy water whenever they become damp or dirty. 

How do I report someone for not wearing a face covering?

It’s important to keep in mind that Regional by-law enforcement will not be able to respond to all calls and will be focusing on education and compliance rather than enforcement. Business owners/operators can contact Region of Waterloo By-law Enforcement if non-compliance is significant and ongoing and additional educational resources and support are needed.

Please complete a by-law feedback form or call the Region of Waterloo Contact Centre at 519-575-4400.

 

Do I have to show proof I am exempt?
No proof is required to show you are exempt from wearing a face covering. The expectation is that individuals who self-identify as meeting an exemption should be allowed into an enclosed public place.

Additional resources

  • Face Covering By-Law 
  • Face covering fact sheet
  • The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Face Covering poster
  • Masks on Grand River Transit
  • Ministry of Health
  • Protect each other poster 
  • Public Health Agency of Canada

Medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators (like N95 masks), must be kept for health care workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. 

Subscribe to this Page

Contact Us

ROW logo

City of Cambridge

City of Kitchener

City of Waterloo

Township of North Dumfries

Township of Wellesley

Township of Wilmot

Township of Woolwich

© 2021 Region of Waterloo, 150 Frederick St., Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3, Telephone: 519-575-4400,  Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TTY): 519-575-4608, Fax: 519-575-4481, Email Us

AccessibilityContact UsWebsite FeedbackPrivacy StatementTerms of UseSitemapCareers and Volunteering
Designed by eSolutionsGroup

I Want To...

Report or Request

  • By-law concern
  • Concern with construction and road closure
  • Concern with signs and signals
  • Found a needle
  • Immunization records
  • Make a complaint
  • Make a complaint, compliment or feedback about transit
  • Report a waste collection issue
  • More...
  • View All..

Apply or Register

  • Affordable Housing
  • Help for a child with special needs in child care
  • Help to pay for child care
  • Home Child Care
  • Ontario Works
  • Permit or license
  • Vaccine Pre-Registration
  • Volunteer
  • More...

Pay

  • For garbage tags
  • My water bill
  • My invoice
  • My Provincial offence or traffic ticket
  • More...

Talk to Us

  • Communicate with Council
  • Contact Us
  • Find information about community services
  • Provide input on Regional issues
  • Rate our services
  • Subscribe to news and alerts
  • More...