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Skip to main menu Skip to site search Continue to current page menu and contentNew mandatory public health measures are in effect across Alberta to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at edmonton.ca/COVID-19.
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Find information, and answers to your questions and those of your clients and patrons in our toolkit for businesses and operators of public facilities
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.
It’s up to your business to decide if you wish to enforce mask wearing in your premises. 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.
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.
We know that navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for local businesses and a second wave may disrupt your business and an already challenged economy. The bylaw was informed by feedback from members of the local business community and City of Edmonton operations.
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.
An indoor public place is any enclosed space to which the public has access including:
The general rule is, if the public does not have access to it, it will be exempt under the bylaw.
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.
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:
The bylaw is in effect until December 31, 2020, unless it is repealed by City Council before then.
The bylaw excludes:
All other public health measures, as listed below, and those in place for each work area, will still need to 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.
You can find a list of local bulk suppliers of PPE on the City’s webpage.
It’s up to your business to decide if you wish to enforce mask wearing in your premises. 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 exemption.
Business owners may also sell or provide masks to customers if they choose.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As private residences are not generally accessible to the public the bylaw would not apply. Property owners may determine their own requirements within their own homes.
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.
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.
Not at this time, but if that changes, we will make an announcement.
Unless exempt for another reason, people are exempt from wearing a face covering when they are actively consuming food or drink in a designated seating area of an indoor restaurant or food court. In a restaurant context, staff should be wearing face coverings at all times in publicly-accessible areas, and customers should wear face coverings when entering the restaurant, waiting to be seated or while walking to a table, and when leaving their table to use the washroom or after their meal. Face coverings may be removed when seated at a table where distancing is maintained. Face coverings are not required on fully outdoor restaurant patios, provided physical distancing measures are in place and face coverings are worn if the access to the patio requires customers to travel through the indoor restaurant space. Face coverings must also be worn if the patio area is enclosed.
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.
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.
Thank you for letting me know. Enjoy your visit.
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.
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.
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.
You can find more information at edmonton.ca/masks.
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