Wearing a face covering or face mask in indoor public spaces and on MiWay Transit is required under By-law 0169-2020 until June 30, 2021.
Wearing a face covering is part of the core four actions supported by Peel Public Health to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The Government of Ontario has also made face coverings mandatory in most public establishments and in workplaces.
You can wear a mask, bandana, scarf, or other face covering made from cloth, linen, or a similar fabric. Your face covering or face mask should:
Transparent masks are allowed if they cover your mouth and nose with no gaps.
A face shield is not an effective alternative to wearing a face covering, as it does not contain your respiratory droplets. If a face shield is used, it should be used with a face covering.
Face shields are not included in the definition of face covering in the by-law. Individuals could receive a ticket if they are not exempt from the by-law and are wearing a face shield rather than a face covering in an indoor public establishment.
Face coverings are not required for:
The owners and occupiers of public establishments have the right to set terms for service in their own premises and to deny people entry to their establishments, but must comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code and, in some cases, the Charter.
Both the City of Mississauga By-law and the provincial regulations include an exemption for persons who cannot wear masks for medical reasons or reason of disability and does not require the owner/operator of a public establishment to deny service to someone who is not wearing a mask for medical reasons.
These businesses are exempt from this by-law:
A person refusing to wear a face covering who is not exempt under this by-law can be issued a ticket and fine $150. Business owners or operators that don’t have a face covering policy in place, or are failing to enforce that policy under the City’s by-law, can be charged and fined $300.
In some cases, charges can also be laid under provincial regulations for not wearing a face covering, and the fine is $750. In extreme cases, officers have the option to lay charges under Part III of the Provincial Offences Act (POA), which could be up to $100,000.
Dial 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits) to report anyone violating the City’s face covering by-law.