News Release
July 22, 2020

To protect the health and safety of our communities, today Mayor John Tory, on the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, again urged all apartments and condominiums to adopt a mask or face covering policy for common areas of shared residential buildings.

The recommendation comes following discussions with building residents, Toronto Public Health, and the Greater Toronto Apartment Association. Building owners and operators are strongly recommended to adopt a policy requiring anyone who enters or remains within the building, including residents, guests, property management and maintenance workers and other visitors who can wear a mask or face covering in areas including lobbies, laundry rooms and elevators, to do so. Toronto Public Health has created guidance documents for commercial and residential buildings. The City of Toronto has created signage that building operators can print off and display in common areas.

Toronto Public Health recommends wearing a mask or face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests the use of masks and face coverings is an inexpensive, acceptable and non-invasive measure to help control the spread of the virus. COVID-19 is spread through contact with the respiratory droplets produced by someone who is infected when they cough, sneeze, or even when they laugh or speak, including by individuals who may not have symptoms – known as being asymptomatic. Evidence suggests wearing a mask reduces the likelihood of droplets infecting those around an individual.

The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. Residents are reminded that, under the City’s Mandatory Mask or Face Covering Bylaw, masks or face coverings are already required in all indoor public spaces to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Face masks and coverings do not replace the need to keep a distance of two metres or six feet from others, wash hands often and stay home when sick. A fact sheet on how to properly and safely wear and care for a non-medical mask is available on the City’s website.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

Quote:

“I want to thank all the building operators who are working to adopt policies that require people to wear face coverings in common areas such as the lobbies, laundry rooms and elevators of residential rental buildings. Requiring those who are able to wear masks in apartment and condo areas is a simple initiative that can make a real difference in protecting the health of our communities. This is the right thing to do and I am confident it will help us stop the spread of COVID-19 as we move forward in Toronto’s reopening.”
– Mayor John Tory

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