Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, February 10, KFL&A Public Health is in the Green - Prevent level of the COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (français).
The public health measures in O.Reg 364/20 (français) under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 apply.
KFL&A Public Health's Section 22 order will remain in effect, the amended Reopening of Ontario Act, 2020 regulations related to face coverings will be applied first.
Who is not required to wear a face covering under the amended Reopening Ontario Act regulations? |
Under the amended Reopening Ontario Act regulations the following are exempt from wearing face coverings:
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Does my staff have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when they are serving someone in an indoor area who is less than 2 metres from them? |
Yes. The O.Reg 364/20 (français) under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 requires that when providing services indoors, PPE must be worn by staff if:
Protection of the eyes, nose, and mouth is required – goggles or face shields and masks. Cloth face coverings are not considered PPE. Employers also have duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable to protect their workers. Refer to Using masks in the workplace (English or français). If distancing is greater than 2 metres, face coverings continue to be required indoors, with exceptions. |
What is the difference between the amended regulations and KFL&A Public Health’s section 22 Face Covering Order? |
Under the new regulations all businesses and organizations require the use of face coverings indoors, with exemptions. Under the previous order face coverings were only required in commercial establishments. Individuals working behind a plexiglass or glass barrier are no longer exempt from wearing a face covering, unless the area is not accessible to the public and a 2 metre distance can be maintained from others. The requirement for commercial establishments to ensure the availability of alcohol-based hand rub at all entrances and exits continues to be required under KFL&A Public Health's section 22 Face Covering Order. |
What proof is required for an exemption? |
Proof or a doctor’s note is not required under O. Reg Sch 1 s. 2 (5) under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020. |
What does face covering mean? |
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Can I wear a face shield instead of a face covering or mask? |
A face shield is not a substitute for wearing a face mask as it does not filter respiratory droplets. A face shield may provide additional protection for the wearer against droplets expelled from another person; however, these droplets may still be inhaled around the shield. Respiratory droplets expelled by the wearer may escape around the sides of the face shield, which therefore provides less protection to others. If you choose to wear a face shield, we recommend - if possible - to wear it in addition to a properly fitted cloth masks. |
Is a face shield a good alternative for someone who can't wear a mask? |
A face shield would not be considered an equal substitute for a face mask as it does not provide filtering capacity. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of face shields as a “better than nothing” alternative to face masks if there is a shortage of non-medical masks or for populations who are not able to properly wear non-medical masks, such as individuals with a respiratory condition that prevents them from wearing a mask. The WHO makes note that face shields are inferior to face masks at preventing the spread of an infection through droplets and at a minimum should extend below the chin and cover the sides of the face. |
Do I have to wear a face covering at the gym? |
Wear a face covering whenever you can unless you are actively exercising or using the equipment. Continue to wear your face covering in common areas such as the lobby and change room. |
Are face coverings required inside restaurants? |
Face coverings can be removed while you are actively eating and drinking, but must be worn:
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Do I have to wear face coverings in my apartment or condo building? |
Face coverings are required in common areas of multi-unit residential housing if physical distancing cannot be maintained. In Kingston, the requirement for face covering in multi-unit residential housing is more restrictive under the City of Kingston’s Emergency Order Bylaw 2020-68. Face coverings are required in enclosed common areas regardless of the ability to physical distance.
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When should I take off my mask? |
Ensure you wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after removing your mask or anytime you wish to adjust your mask. You should take off your mask when:
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When I am wearing a mask, do I still need to stay 2 metres away from others? |
Yes. The person responsible for a business or organization must ensure that physical distancing of at least 2 metres from others can be maintained. Face coverings are not required in areas that are not accessible to the public but, a physical distance of 2 metres from others must be maintained. |
Why should I wear a face covering? |
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How are the mandatory face covering requirements being enforced? |
Both the business and the individual have a role to ensure compliance. The person operating the business or organization is responsible to ensure that:
The person entering a business or organization that is permitted to be open must wear a face covering, unless exempt. Failure to comply with Reopening Ontario Act regulations could result in a fine. |
How can businesses or organizations adhere to the regulations? |
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How can I help my child wear a mask? |
Wearing a cloth mask is recommended when physical distancing may not be possible. This does pose the question of how we can help children over 2 years of age wear a mask.
Encourage your child to wear a mask by the following: Explain why
Give choices
Include masks in imaginative play
Set an example
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How can I help provide face coverings for vulnerable people in our community? |
United Way KFL&A has launched a new initiative called United Together. Purchase masks for yourself, your family or members of your workplace, with proceeds helping provide masks for vulnerable people in our communities. |
How do I use, clean, and dispose of a face covering? |
When wearing a face covering, you should:
Face coverings should be changed when they get damp or soiled. The main reasons for changing a damp face covering are:
Do not share your face coverings with others. When removing a face covering, you should:
Reusable face coverings must be cleaned frequently. If your face covering is damp or soiled you should:
If a washing machine is not available, wash by hand using soap and warm to hot water. Allow to dry thoroughly. How to Clean a Reusable Face Covering (PDF) - KFL&A Public Health How to Clean a Reusable Face Covering - French (PDF) - KFL&A Public Health |
O’Keeffe, J. Masking During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vancouver, BC: National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health. 2020 Oct.