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; however, the Province of Ontario requires that children aged two years and older wear a face mask/covering
- 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? |
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In Waterloo Region face coverings are required by by-law for anyone over the age of five (however, the Province of Ontario requires it for children aged two years and older) in indoor public settings. For more information review the Face Covering By-law. |
| Who should not wear a face covering? |
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Face coverings are not required for children under the age of five (however, the Province of Ontario requires it for children aged two years and older) 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? |
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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:
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"? |
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When considering a filter-type fabric or material for the third middle layer of your face covering you may:
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| Can I wear a face shield instead? |
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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? |
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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:
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| Should I wear a face covering when I exercise? |
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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? |
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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? |
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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.
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