COVID-19: Guide for Toronto Residents

Last updated: May 3, 2022 at 12:01 p.m.

Mask Requirements

Effective March 21, 2022, masks are no longer required in settings such as retail stores, bars, restaurants, gyms, community centres or museums, but are strongly recommended in indoor public settings.

Masks continue to be required in the indoor areas of certain businesses or organizations, and in a vehicle that is operating as part of the business or organization, including:

  • Public transit: Indoor premises and vehicles used for the operation of a public transit service or bus passenger transportation service
  • Hospitals and clinics that provide healthcare services (including vaccination clinics)
  • Long-term care and retirement homes
  • Shelters

Masks should be worn in all public settings if:

  • You are a close contact of someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask for 10 days after your last exposure, even if you do not have to self-isolate. Avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g. dining out).
  • You have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive. Wear a mask for 10 days after the onset of symptoms or positive test result.
  • You are returning from international travel. If you are not fully vaccinated, including children who travelled with a vaccinated adult, wear a mask for 14-days, even if you are exempt from quarantine, as required under Federal regulations.

The requirement to wear a mask remains subject to exemptions including removing a mask for the purposes of health and safety.

The City of Toronto continues to follow provincial guidance on face masks, and has lifted masking requirement for visitors in most City facilities beginning Monday, March 21, 2022. The City supports the choice by visitors to City facilities where masks are not required to remain masked, should they prefer. Masks are still required at City of Toronto vaccination clinics.

COVID-19 Orders & Bylaws

Effective March 1, 2022 the Medical Officer of Health has revoked temporary class orders and letters of instruction. More information about these orders and letters of instruction can be found on COVID-19: Orders & Bylaws.

The City’s mask bylaw expired on March 21, 2022. This bylaw required businesses and organizations to have a masking policy ensuring all members of the public in enclosed areas be masked and required the owners of apartment buildings or condominium corporations to have a masking policy ensuring all persons in common areas be masked.

Amendments to Chapter 354, Apartment Buildings, which required apartment building owners and operators to implement COVID-19 measures in apartment buildings, expired on April 8, 2022.

Proof of Vaccination

Continuation of proof of vaccination requirements is now the decision of individual businesses, organizations and event organizers.

The City is not requiring proof of vaccination to access City services or facilities.

Public Health Guidance Continues

All people in Toronto should still follow all public health guidance to protect reopening progress. 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 a booster dose, is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

This guide is not legal advice. It is only a summary of some of the relevant provisions of the regulation under the Reopening Ontario Act as a result of the Province’s COVID-19 Public Health Measures and Advice. To ensure compliance with all applicable provincial regulations, individuals and businesses should consult the Reopening Ontario Act and applicable Regulations and/or seek legal advice.