Last updated: March 9, 2023
It is strongly recommended that everyone wears a high-quality, well-fitting mask in indoor public settings, especially if they are crowded or have poor ventilation, or if you are around people who are at higher risk (such as seniors or those with a weak immune system).
In some settings, the Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto or individual operators continue to require masks. Check with individual organizations to learn more about their policies.
| Setting | Masking Guidance |
|---|---|
| School and childcare | Masks are strongly recommended in schools and child care settings. Children under 2 and those with medical exemptions are not recommended to wear a mask. |
| Long-term care homes | Masks are required for staff, visitors and others entering long-term care homes. Visitors or caregivers are encouraged, but not required (unless otherwise noted), to wear masks when alone visiting with a resident in their room or in designated spaces in the home. |
| Retirement homes | Masks are required for staff, visitors and others entering retirement homes. Visitors or caregivers are encouraged, but not required (unless otherwise noted), to wear masks when alone visiting with a resident in their room or in designated spaces in the home. See provincial guidance for more information. |
| Shelters | Masks are mandatory in shelters, 24-hour respite and 24-hour women’s drop-in sites. |
| TTC Wheel-Trans | Masks are mandatory for customers and employees using TTC’s Wheel-Trans, with exemptions for medical accommodation. |
| Public transit | The TTC and GO Transit strongly recommend customers continue to wear masks while on vehicles and in stations. |
| Hospitals and other healthcare settings | Many hospitals and healthcare settings in Toronto have mask policies in place. Please check directly with the hospital or healthcare facility. |
Masks should continue to be worn in public settings if:
The latest guidance from Toronto Public Health is available in the COVID-19: Reduce Virus Spread Guide. Anyone who is eligible and has not gotten vaccinated against COVID-19, including any booster doses, is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
For the latest provincial COVID-19 public health measures and advice, including masking requirements, visit the Province of Ontario website.
This guide is not legal advice. To ensure compliance with all applicable provincial regulations, individuals and businesses should consult applicable Regulations and/or seek legal advice.