Ottawa Mask Exemption
Requirements
Must wear face covering in all enclosed public spaces (e.g. malls, retail businesses, churches, hotel common areas, gyms, etc.), and all public transit (including City of Ottawa contracted taxis)
Operator/proprietor of such places must prominently display clearly visible sign at entrance, and give verbal reminder to patrons to wear a mask if they are not doing so.
Does not apply to employee of an enclosed public space while:
- In an area of the premises that is not designated for public access
- Located either within or behind a physical barrier, including but not limited to a plexiglass barrier
Exemptions
- Children under age 2
- Children under age 5 (actually or developmentally) who refuse to wear mask and cannot be persuaded by caregiver to do so
- Person with medical condition that prevents them from safely wearing a mask
- Person unable to put on or remove their mask without assistance of another person
- Person who needs to temporarily remove their mask while in the Enclosed Public Space for the purposes of:
- Receiving services that require the removal of their mask
Actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity including water-based activities - Consuming food or drink
- An emergency or medical purpose
- Receiving services that require the removal of their mask
- No person shall be required to provide proof of any of the exemptions set out above
Bylaw
Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law
Updated: February 16, 2021