Face masks or covering mandatory in York Region effective Friday, July 17, 2020

Anyone visiting enclosed public spaces in York Region must use a face mask or covering to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Newmarket – York Regional Council today endorsed a recommendation from York Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karim Kurji to issue an instruction requiring operators of enclosed public spaces in York Region to have a policy in place that prohibits persons from entering premises of the establishment if the person is not wearing a face mask or covering.

This policy is subject to appropriate exemptions.

The Regional Municipality of York has endorsed this instruction issued by Dr. Kurji under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act as a measure to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 within our communities. This instruction is directed to commercial establishments in York Region.

Effective Friday, July 17 at 12:01 a.m., business owners and operators in York Region must have a policy in place to prohibit people from entering if they are not wearing a face mask or covering and must place approved York Region signage on the premises.

Outdoor settings and indoor spaces not open to the public are excluded. Additionally, a face mask or covering is not required at home with immediate family members, while eating on a restaurant patio or in the workplace where other standards apply, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

In both indoor and outdoor settings, face masks or coverings do not represent a substitute for physical distancing.

This instruction is to be applied in good faith and will be used primarily as an opportunity to educate people on the use of face masks or coverings, combined with other on-going recommended public health practices.

The instruction will remain in place until Monday, November 30, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Learn more about what you need to know as a community member and as a business owner or operator at york.ca/mandatorymasks which includes additional information, resources and signage.

For more information on York Region’s response to COVID-19, visit york.ca/covid19

For COVID-19 related information, please visit the following link on the City’s website.