COVID-19 - Get vaccinated and find public health advice for residents and businesses.
Public Health strongly recommends residents continue to wear a mask
The requirements of the provincial order prevail over Niagara Region's Face Covering By-law (By-law 2020-46) as amended. Niagara's by-law will expire when the province lifts its order requiring face coverings.
Find out where individuals are still required to wear a mask.
Refer to Class Order pursuant to Section 22 for more information.
The following individuals must continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings:
Most Provincial masking mandates have ended in businesses and organizations. However, it's important to note that they can choose to continue masking policies as part of their ongoing operations. You will need to follow their masking policy.
Niagara Region Public Health encourages you to continue to wear masks and to support organizations who wish to continue with masking policies to protect customers and employees. Health Canada recommends it’s even more important for you to wear a mask if you're at higher risk of exposure or severe outcomes.
If a staff member, child or visitor received their COVID-19 vaccine in the last 48 hours and are experiencing mild fatigue / tiredness, muscle aches and / or joint pain that only began after vaccination, they should wear a properly fitted mask for the entire time at school / child care while they're experiencing these symptoms.
Not everyone can wear a mask and many disabilities are invisible. People don't have to prove their condition or disability.
Be kind and respectful to people who can't wear a mask. We're in this together and this is one more way we can help to protect each other.
The by-law provides exemptions for:
To safely wear a face covering:
To remove and care for a face covering:
The Public Health Agency of Canada provides advice on COVID-19 mask use in community settings.
Wearing a face / mouth shield alone doesn't meet the requirements of the face covering by-law. Watch this video on the difference between face coverings and face shield, and why face coverings are so important.
Face / mouth shields don't filter respiratory droplets. They don't fit closely to the face which allows particles and aerosols to enter and exit. In some settings, workers are required to wear a face shield in addition to a face covering.
Yes, the definition of face covering section is highlighted in section 1(9) of the Regional by-law. For the purposes of this by-law, a face covering shall mean a mask or other face covering, including a bandana or scarf constructed of cloth, linen or other similar fabric that fits securely to the head and is large enough to completely and comfortably cover the mouth, nose and chin without gaping.
Face shields or plastic mouth shields are not a substitute for masks / face coverings as they don't filter respiratory droplets.
Proper handling of a face covering is important to protect you from this virus.
If the face covering is doing its job, it will block the virus from infecting you, or others, so it may have the virus on it after use.
Don't do the following:
Remember, wearing a non-medical face covering or mask alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19.