Masks Resources for Businesses

Starting Friday, September 3, 2021, wearing a mask or face covering will be mandatory in all indoor public places in Edmonton. This applies to the publicly accessible areas of businesses, retail shops and includes City recreation facilities, transit centres and LRT platforms.

As someone who operates a public-facing business or public facility, this means that anyone who enters your business, and your staff when in those spaces (unless separated by a barrier), must wear a mask or face covering.

Find information and answers to your questions, and those of your clients and patrons, and posted for use by businesses and operators of public facilities:

General Questions

Is a business owner/operator required to enforce the mask bylaw in their place of business?

As part of the community effort we encourage you to help educate on the requirement for masks if you choose.

You and your employees are not expected to enforce the bylaw or to have negative interactions with customers. If a customer becomes confrontational, call 911.

Proof is not required if someone claims an exception. Business owners may also sell or provide masks to customers if they choose.

What is the reason for the Face Covering bylaw?

With businesses reopening, more social interactions occurring and the number of cases increasing in Edmonton, these additional measures will better mitigate a potential resurgence of COVID-19 that is being experienced around the world.

Studies show that wearing a mask can reduce the spread of infectious droplets to someone else and potential contamination of the environment by these droplets. The more people wearing masks, the more likely we are to prevent the spread of the virus and keep our economy functioning and your business operating.

Where are people required to wear a face covering?

An indoor public place is any enclosed space to which the public has access including:

Retail stores
Entertainment venues
Recreation centres
Transit stations
Places of worship and religious and cultural gatherings
Hotels
Public vehicles including buses and LRT
Taxis and vehicles for hire like Uber

The general rule is, if the public does not have access to it, it will be exempt under the bylaw.

What is a face covering?

A face covering means any medical or non-medical mask or other face covering that fully covers the nose, mouth, and chin which prevents the spread of respiratory droplets. A face covering can include a cloth face covering like a homemade mask, scarf or a bandana. Note that a plastic face shield is not considered adequate protection unless it wraps around the face and underneath the chin.

Who doesn’t have to wear a mask or face covering?

We understand that not everyone is able to wear a mask or face covering, so we ask everyone to be kind to those unable to do so. Therefore some exemptions apply:

Children under 2
Those who are unable to place, use, or remove a face covering without assistance
Those with mental or physical concerns or limitations, or any other protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act, that prevent them from wearing a face covering
Eating or drinking while seated in designated spaces or as part of a religious or spiritual ceremony
Engaging in water activities or physical exercise
Providing assistance or care to someone with a disability who would be hindered if the caregiver is wearing a face covering
Engaging in services that require removal of the face covering (for example, having a passport photo taken or dental work, or personal care services involving the face)

The bylaw is in effect until December 31, 2021, unless it is repealed by City Council before then.

Are any places exempt from asking people to wear masks?

The bylaw excludes:

Schools
Health care facilities
Hospitals
Child care facilities
Employee-only spaces where physical barriers have been installed between the employee and patrons
Condominium/apartment indoor shared spaces are not considered accessible to the public and are therefore exempt

Will the other public health measures still need to be in place?

All other public health measures, as listed below, and those in place for each work area, should still be adhered to regardless if people are wearing a face covering or not. Face coverings are an added layer of protection to help us re-commit to public health measures and protect the safety of others.

Maintain 2 metre physical distance
Stay home if feeling sick
Sanitize high-touch areas frequently
Wash and sanitize hands regularly

Will Edmonton make signs available that businesses can post informing customers about the mask bylaw?

Yes, downloadable, printable posters and signs are available on the City’s website.

Will the mask bylaw apply to privately owned gyms, meaning will it be mandatory to have a face covering while working out in a private gym or fitness business?

There is an exemption from the bylaw for those who are engaging in water activities and physical exercise. Masks will be required for patrons when entering, leaving or moving around the facility until they begin, but can be removed for the duration of the activity or exercise.

Does the mask bylaw apply when patrons/customers are sitting at a table in a restaurant or bar or licenced entertainment venue?

No. The bylaw applies for customers entering, leaving or moving around a bar or restaurant. They are exempt when eating or drinking while seated in designated spaces. Businesses are not required to adjust seating arrangements or maximum capacities.

Will the City conduct enforcement to remove some of the burden from business owners and staff?

The focus of this bylaw is on education first, with enforcement as a last resort option to be deployed only as needed. The approach is largely around communication and education for the public to better understand that wearing face coverings is the right thing to do to limit spread of the virus.

Are fines for non-compliance only applicable to customers/patrons and not the business owner if someone refuses to comply?

Yes. As part of the community effort, we encourage businesses to help educate customers on the requirement for masks. However, you and your employees are not expected to enforce the bylaw or accept negative interactions with customers. If a customer becomes confrontational, call Edmonton Police non-emergency line: 780-423-4567 or #377 from an Edmonton cell phone. Proof is not required if someone claims an exception. Business owners may also sell or provide masks to customers if they choose.

Does the bylaw apply to common spaces and hallways in condo, apartment and office buildings?

If the public do not have access to the space, it will be exempt under the bylaw. Office, condominium or apartment building indoor shared spaces that are only accessible by tenants are not considered accessible to the public, therefore the bylaw does not apply.

Are masks required for staff or patrons who are outdoors (i.e. patios?)

The City’s mandatory mask bylaw only applies to indoor public spaces. Masks are not required outdoors.

Will dancing at a nightclub require a mask?

The bylaw applies to any indoor place where the public has access, including nightclubs and performance venues. As this activity is a social activity with public access, a face covering would be required.

Are group fitness classes allowed?

Yes - The City’s bylaw only applies to mandatory mask wearing in indoor spaces. It does not apply to other public health restrictions like types of activities permitted, business capacity, operational hours or safety requirements.

How does this impact performances in businesses and theatres? Are indoor music performances with singers still permitted, as well as theatre performances?

Yes they are still permitted. Performers will have to wear a face covering unless they are in an employee-only area, like a stage, and where physical controls (e.g. barriers and/or distancing) are in place between them and the audience and all performers remain distanced from each other. In general, if a performer or entertainer can perform somewhere that is separate from the audience, and within that area all of the performers are appropriately distanced, then an exemption would apply.

Do musicians and actors have to wear masks when performing inside venues?

No, the amended mask bylaw now exempts musicians and actors from wearing masks inside Edmonton’s indoor venues provided that the performers are distanced or separated by a physical barrier from the audience. Audience members will be required to wear a face covering unless another exemption applies, such as audience members who are seated at a table consuming food or drink.

For information on indoor performances outside of Edmonton, please refer to the provincial public health order.

Are business capacities going to be limited (i.e. by needing to adhere to distancing) or will partitions be needed? Is this recommended or enforceable?

No, Bylaw 19408 only applies to mandatory mask wearing. It does not apply to business capacity, operational hours or safety requirements.

Will the bylaw trigger an increase in parties or gatherings in private residences, which may fall outside of the bylaw but will contribute to increased transmission/case counts?

It is unknown how the bylaw could influence the social gathering behaviours of citizens. Education on the benefits of wearing masks and adhering to distancing will be a priority. Gatherings in private residences are not prohibited at this time as there are no provincial public health restrictions currently in place.

Will the City address support for businesses that could see their revenues decrease? Will there be new or extended subsidies or supports?

The Edmonton Economic Recovery Grant is available to help Edmonton businesses modify their operations and recover from COVID-19. It provides local businesses and business organizations with matching microgrants of $1,000 to address costs associated with their COVID-19 response.

Why not implement vaccine passports instead of mandatory masks?

At this time, the City has not mandated any kind of mandatory vaccination policy, for employees of the City of Edmonton or for Edmontonians, visitors, event operators or otherwise. As the general population continues to be vaccinated, masks are an additional layer of defence against the transmission of COVID-19.

Can a business that chooses to require proof of vaccination (or a negative COVID test) for entry be exempt from the mask mandate?

No, there are no exemptions in the bylaw for this circumstance.

Can private (i.e. ticketed, weddings, etc.) events be exempt where attendees are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test? Would the venue still be considered public space and could masking rules be exempted in this case?

The bylaw applies to any indoor place where the public has access. Requiring a ticket or invitation does not make a place inaccessible to the public and therefore the bylaw would still apply.

Do businesses have the ability to refuse patrons who cannot show vaccination status?

The City’s bylaw only applies to mandatory mask wearing. It does not apply to vaccine status, passports or negative test results. There is no vaccination requirement currently in the province.

Can my business implement a vaccination policy?

Employers and businesses can make their own decisions about vaccinations for their staff and guests. We encourage anyone considering such a policy to seek appropriate legal advice.

Why did Edmonton implement this Bylaw, while other Canadian cities have not?

Medical experts have made it clear that we are in the fourth wave of COVID-19. In an effort to keep Edmontonians safe and to prevent our healthcare system from becoming overburdened, City Council reactivated its Temporary Mandatory Face Covering Bylaw requiring masks in all indoor public spaces.

Other Questions Your Staff and Customers Might Have

What if a customer doesn’t want to wear a mask?

We encourage you to help educate customers on the requirement for masks if you choose. You and your employees are not expected to enforce the bylaw or to have negative interactions with customers. If a customer becomes confrontational, call 911. Proof is not required if someone claims an exemption.

Business owners may also sell or provide masks to customers if they choose.

Will the City be enforcing the face covering bylaw?

What is the difference between a face covering, a mask and a face shield?

A face covering is typically a handmade or manufactured mask, bandana or scarf made of cotton or similar fabrics.

A mask is a medical-grade or non-medical grade disposable face mask (also known as a surgical or procedure mask) that has been subject to testing and design standards to ensure they perform as intended.

A face shield typically does not provide adequate protection from the periphery (sides) and cannot be used as an alternative to a non-medical mask when physical distancing cannot be achieved, unless it wraps around the face and underneath the chin.

Do face coverings need to be worn in places of worship?

Places of worship are included in the bylaw as they are enclosed buildings that members of the public have access to. Those attending places of worship are permitted to temporarily remove their face covering for eating or drinking, such as to receive communion.

With regard to the stage areas in places of worship, if this space is only accessible to those leading worship or preaching and you have implemented physical barriers or distancing practices between every person that will not be wearing a face covering and any other person, face coverings may be removed in this area. However, if these physical controls are not in place face coverings will be required.

Do my patrons have to wear masks if we can achieve physical distancing?

Yes, your patrons must wear masks even if your business achieves physical distancing. Physical distancing in indoor public spaces is inconsistent and unpredictable and part of why this temporary bylaw is necessary.

Does the bylaw apply to shared spaces in residential condominium buildings, for example hallways, elevators and amenity spaces?

The general rule is, if the public does not have access to it, it will be exempt under the bylaw. Condominium building indoor shared spaces are not considered accessible to the public, therefore they would be exempt.

Does the bylaw apply to community leagues? For example, community league board meetings and events in community league amenity buildings and halls?

If the community league building is being accessed by staff only and no public will be present, masks are not required. If the league is hosting a public event, or if a league board meeting is open to the public, masks are required.

Why didn’t the City just do more to educate people about masks rather than pass this bylaw?

The City has worked to educate Edmontonians on the need for face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Having the majority of people wearing masks is critical to flattening the curve of COVID-19.

Will the City provide masks?

Not at this time, but if that changes, we will make an announcement.

In June and July 2020, the City supplied more than 1 million masks at transit centres and LRT stations as part of the Government of Alberta's mask distribution plan
Masks can now be purchased at most grocery and retail stores, as well as farmers’ markets
If using reusable face coverings, please be sure to wash them after use in accordance with Alberta Health guidance

Does the City have authority to enforce a mask bylaw without provincial legislation to back it?

The City of Edmonton has the jurisdiction and ability to enforce this bylaw.

Messages To Use With Your Customers/Patrons

Why do I have to wear a face covering?

Covering your nose and mouth with a mask or face covering helps reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Wearing the face covering doesn’t just help to protect you, it protects our employees and our other customers, especially those who have pre-existing health conditions.

I prefer not to wear a face covering.

Although you may prefer to not wear a covering in public, in order to enter this business, a face covering is required unless you meet the exemptions listed. Exemptions can be found at edmonton.ca/masks.

I have an exemption and am not required to wear a face covering.

Thank you for letting me know. Enjoy your visit.

Why isn’t that person wearing a face covering?

I cannot speak to that particular person’s circumstances but there are some exemptions to the bylaw. You can find out more at edmonton.ca/masks.

What kind of face covering do you accept?

We’re happy for you to wear a scarf, a bandana, a homemade mask or a medical grade mask. Please make sure it covers your nose, mouth and chin.

If you want me to wear a mask you should provide one to me for free.

Our business is not able to (and not required to) provide masks to every customer. We ask that customers provide their own face covering and put it on before entering this premises.

Download the following sign from edmonton.ca/masks.

Thumbnail image of the "Wear a Mask" poster.

Where can I read the actual bylaw?

Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings Bylaw C19408

Where can I find more information about the bylaw and other supports?

You can find more information at edmonton.ca/masks.

Masks Resources for Businesses

Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings

Bylaw C19408

Related Links

Masks - Information for the General Public

Downloadable Posters

Masks Are Required Here

Masks Are Required Here

Wear a Mask

Wear a Mask

Wear a Mask (Simplified Version)

Wear a Mask (Simplified Version)

PPE Litter Disposal

PPE Litter Disposal

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Other Questions Your Staff and Customers Might Have

Messages To Use With Your Customers/Patrons