Mandatory Face Covering
Please refer to the
COVID-19 Response Framework for face covering requirements.
Choosing the right face covering
The Government of Canada updated their
guidelines on face coverings on February 11, 2021:
Well-designed and well-fitting masks or face coverings can prevent the spread of your infectious respiratory droplets. They may also help protect you from the infectious respiratory droplets of others.
How well a mask or face covering works depends on the materials used, how the mask is made, and most importantly, how well it fits.
A mask or face covering can be
homemade or purchased, and
should:
- be made of at least 3 layers
- 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen
- the third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric
- be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping
- allow for easy breathing
- fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
- be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments
- be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
- maintain its shape after washing and drying
Filters
Filters add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 by trapping small infectious particles. Consider wearing a mask that includes a filter or filter material as one of its layers, such as:
- non-woven polypropylene fabric, which can be found as:
- a craft fabric
- the non-woven fabric that's used to make some reusable shopping bags
- a disposable filter inserted into a pocket on the mask
Check out how to make your own face covering with a filter.
Reusable masks with a non-woven filter layer should be washed daily, and can be washed multiple times. Disposable filters should be changed daily or as directed by the manufacturer.
Wearing a face covering is not a replacement for other preventative measures, such as frequent handwashing and physical distancing.
Wearing a face covering
When wearing a face covering, it is important to remember:
- Do not share your face covering with others
- Wash your hands before putting on and after taking off a mask
- Place the face covering over your nose, mouth and chin
- Avoid touching your face and face covering while using it
- Change your face covering as soon as it is moist or dirty
- Do not leave your face covering tucked under the chin, hanging from your ear, or on your forehead
- Remove the face covering by the ear loops without touching the front of the face covering
- Put used face covering(s) in a plastic bag or directly in the laundry bin to be washed
- Launder cloth face coverings after use with other items using the hot cycle and dryer
- Dispose of disposable face coverings (one-time use) in a sealed garbage
Please refer to the Government of Ontario’s
face coverings exemption website.
A mask or face covering can be
homemade or purchased, and
should:
- be made of at least 3 layers
- 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen
- the third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric
- be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping
- allow for easy breathing
- fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
- be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments
- be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
- maintain its shape after washing and drying
Filters
Filters add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 by trapping small infectious particles. Consider wearing a mask that includes a filter or filter material as one of its layers, such as:
- non-woven polypropylene fabric, which can be found as:
- a craft fabric
- the non-woven fabric that's used to make some reusable shopping bags
- a disposable filter inserted into a pocket on the mask
Check out how to make your own face covering with a filter.
Reusable masks with a non-woven filter layer should be washed daily, and can be washed multiple times. Disposable filters should be changed daily or as directed by the manufacturer.
- Wash your hands before putting on your face covering. Use a hand sanitizer (of at least 60 per cent alcohol) if you cannot wash your hands
- Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
- Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
- Make sure you can breathe easily
- Don't put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead
- Don't touch the face covering, and, if you do, clean your hands
How do I safely take off my face covering?
- Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
- Handle only by the ear loops or tie
- Fold outside corners together
- Place mask in the washing machine
- Wash your hands with soap and water
Face shields do
not replace masks or face coverings.
A face shield is used to protect the eyes of the person wearing it. Using a face shield without a mask won't protect:
- you from potentially inhaling infectious respiratory droplets exhaled by others
- others from your infectious respiratory droplets, as they can escape around the face shield
If you're unable to wear a mask or face covering, you may want to wear a face shield. Choose one that extends around the sides of the face and below the chin. You'll still need to:
- maintain physical distancing of 2 metres
- practise good hand hygiene, especially if you touch the face shield
Masks with exhalation valves or vents are
not recommended. These masks do not protect others from COVID-19 or limit the spread of the virus. This is because they allow infectious respiratory droplets to spread outside the mask.
Neck gaiters (also known as neck warmers) aren't recommended because they:
- aren't well secured to the head or ears, and are likely to move or slip out of place
- are difficult to remove without contaminating yourself
If a neck gaiter must be used as a face covering:
- it should be folded to provide at least 3 layers of fabric and should include a filter or filter fabric added between layers
- lift it away from your face, especially when taking it off
- wash your hands or use alcohol based hand sanitizer anytime you need to adjust it, especially when putting it on and taking it off
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 two metres) whenever possible
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
When exercising outdoors, physical distancing is recommended. Wearing a face covering while exercising outside may make it difficult to breathe.
When visiting a fitness centre, face coverings are required under the provincial regulations. However, a person engaged in a sport or other strenuous activity (running on a treadmill, lifting weights, etc.) would be exempt from wearing a face covering.
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.
It is important to keep in mind that the City of Brantford and County of Brant by-law enforcement will not be able to respond to all calls related to face coverings and will be primarily focusing efforts on education. Business owners/operators can contact their respective City or County By-Law Enforcement departments if non-compliance is significant and on-going and educational resources and support are needed.
Please visit our
COVID-19 complaint reporting page for more information.
No proof is required to show you are exempt from wearing a face covering. The expectation is that individuals that self-identify as meeting the exemption should be allowed into an enclosed public space.
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.
