COVID-19 Guidance: Personal Service Settings

Last updated: November 9, 2021 at 1:05 p.m.

COVID-19 Guidelines for Personal Service Settings

This guidance is to support owners/operators of personal services settings (also known as personal care services) to protect staff and clients from COVID-19. Personal service settings (PSS) include hairstyling and barbering, tattooing, micropigmentation, ear and body piercing, electrolysis, nail salons, and aesthetic services. For information on reopening businesses and workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the Guidance for Employers on Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace.

The aim and purpose of this document is to assist individuals and businesses with information related to the Ontario Government’s reopening framework as well as Toronto Public Health requirements to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It is important to know that breaches of some of these directions will constitute offences under provincial regulations or other public health legal requirements. While we aim to provide relevant and timely information, no guarantee can be given as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided. This guidance is not intended to nor does it provide legal advice and should not be relied upon or treated as legal advice. Users seeking legal advice should consult with a qualified legal professional.

Toronto is currently in Step 3 of the province’s roadmap to reopen. This guidance document describes the requirements that personal service settings must comply with under Ontario Regulation 364/20 of the Reopening Ontario Act and Ontario Regulation 136/18, Personal Services Setting.

Closures (O Reg 364/20)

Personal care services that require the removal of a mask or face covering are now permitted, however operators who come closer than 2 metres must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes a medical mask and eye protection.
Locker rooms, change rooms and showers or similar amenities made available to the public are cleaned and disinfected as frequently as necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.
Oxygen bars remain closed. Steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools are now permitted. Clients must maintain a distance of 2 metres at all times and wear masks when walking around outside the steam room, sauna or whirlpool. Masks are not required while inside these settings.

COVID-19 Transmission

Respiratory transmission: COVID-19 is an illness that is spread mainly from person-to-person through close contact from respiratory droplets of someone with COVID-19. The respiratory droplets can travel up to two metres when we cough, sneeze or talk.

Contaminated surfaces: It is possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. This new coronavirus can survive on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours.

Protective Measures to Keep Everyone Safe

Get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Stay home when you are sick, even if the symptoms are mild.
Keep a two metre distance from others, when possible.
Wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Masks must be worn when you are in an indoor public setting and when physical distancing is difficult.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Proof of Identification & Vaccination

A person responsible for the business can choose to require clients to provide proof of identifications and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If this option is elected, the person responsible for the business is not required to limit the number of members of the public so that they are able to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person. See proof of vaccination for businesses and organizations for more information.
If and when the business chooses this option:
- Determine if and when the business will elect to require proof of vaccination among patrons.
- Require each patron who enters to provide, at the point of entry, proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Post signs at all entrances to the premises in a conspicuous location visible to the public that inform patrons that proof of vaccination is required in order to enter the premises.
- Continue to encourage physical distancing, where possible.

Practice Physical Distancing

For businesses that choose not to require proof of identification and vaccination of clients, identify physical and administrative adjustments that can be made to ensure staff and customers can maintain at least two metres physical distancing.

Remove non-essential furniture to allow ease of movement.
The number of clients allowed on the premises must still allow for everyone in the premises to maintain at least two metres physical distancing. The total number of customers permitted indoors must be limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person in the premises.
- Post a sign in a conspicuous location visible to the public that states the capacity limits under which the establishment is permitted to operate.
Avoid allowing clients to bring guests to the appointment, including children.
Monitor entrances to control the number of staff and clients entering the premises at any given time.
Reduce the length and number of client appointments held each day to ensure physical distancing can still be maintained.
Provide visible cues such as tape, stickers or safety cones every two metres for clients lining up when waiting outside.
Post physical distancing signs at all entrances, by cashiers or service counters.
Place markers or circles indoors so the clients know where to stand when interacting with staff.
Install plexiglass or other barriers, if possible, where physical distancing cannot be maintained between staff and clients; for example, between workstations and at the checkout.
Note: this does not reduce the requirement for staff to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e. medical/surgical mask and eye protection, such as goggles or face shields), for clients to wear masks/coverings, and for everyone to practice physical distancing when possible.
No member of the public may be permitted to enter the premises except by appointment.
No member of the public may be permitted to be in the premises except for the period of time during which they are receiving personal care services. Clients cannot wait in the waiting area.
Staff should remind clients to stay two metres apart, as much as possible.
Staff should not gather together in a lunchroom/common areas.

Promote proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

Provide hand sanitizer (70-90% alcohol concentration) in a dispenser for staff and clients to use.
Encourage clients to use hand sanitizer when they enter the premise.
Ensure there is an adequate supply of soap and paper towels at all times.
Post Hand Washing, Cover your Cough and Hand Sanitizing signs in highly visible locations.
Educate staff on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:
- Wash hands frequently with liquid soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean hands before and after the handling of PPE and after each interaction.
- Cover cough or sneeze with the elbow or a tissue. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash hands.
Use tap features at checkout instead of cash, where possible.

Facilitate clients’ proper use of masks or face coverings

All clients must wear a mask or face covering when indoors and/or receiving service.
City of Toronto bylaw requires that businesses with indoor spaces that are open to the public develop a policy on the wearing of masks. Use the Mask By-law Checklist and Sample Policy.
Personal care services that require the removal of a mask or face covering are now permitted (O.Reg 364/20).
- Operators who come within two metres of individuals who are not wearing a mask must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes a medical mask and eye protection.
If possible, provide disposable masks for clients who have not brought their own.
Not all clients are able to tolerate a mask and may be exempted. Masks or face coverings should not be used by children under the age of two, and anyone who has trouble breathing.
Businesses are not required (or permitted) to ask for proof of an exemption.
Consider alternative ways to provide services to clients who are unable to wear a mask. For example, providing service at the end of the day without other clients present, or using physical barriers (e.g. plexiglass), and maintain physical distance when possible.

Train staff on proper use of Personal Protective Equipment and Masks

Train staff on the proper use of medical masks and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Staff shall wear appropriate PPE that provides protection of the person’s eyes, nose and mouth if, in the course of providing services, the person is:
- Required to come within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask or face covering in a manner that covers that person’s mouth, nose and chin, during any period when that person is in an indoor area; and
- Is not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier from a person when within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask or face covering while indoors.
Staff must use PPE when providing personal services to a client who is exempted from wearing a mask or who has removed their mask for the purposes of service.
- Wearing PPE will protect staff from the respiratory droplets of others who are not masked. This includes a medical mask and eye protection (e.g. face shield).
A face shield is not a substitute for a mask. A mask must still be worn under a face shield.
All staff must wear a medical mask. Staff may remove their mask in an area not accessible by the public (e.g. lunch room/private office) if they can maintain at least two metres physical distance from other staff.
Staff should not share masks or PPE.
Discard masks when moist or dirty.
When eye protection, such as goggles or face shields are used, they should be labelled to the assigned staff and disinfected between uses.
Staff must change their gloves when changing tasks and after every client, or more often, as necessary. Use of disposable gloves is not a substitute for proper hand hygiene.
When gloves are removed, new gloves must be used each time.
Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer (70-90% alcohol concentration) before putting on and after taking off gloves.

Measures for all Workplaces, Organizations & Businesses

Review the Guidance for Employers on Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace to plan and implement protocols to keep staff and customers safe, including:

Health screening for staff and customers
- Staff and clients must be actively screened prior to entering the business.
- Use a client screening tool / guidance
- Offer to reschedule appointments for clients, when they are sick.
Staff attendance and operations
- Assign a compliance officer to ensure implementation of occupational health and safety and infection prevention & control measures.
Cleaning and disinfection
- Cleaning, disinfecting or sterilization of items should continue as indicated in the Personal Services Setting Regulation, including tools, equipment, shampoo bowls, manicure tables, chairs, workstations, etc., and other products after every use.
- Allow additional time between client appointments for proper cleaning and disinfecting of workstations and equipment.
- Where possible, use disposable, single-use supplies.
Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
- Ensure hand sanitizer (70-90% alcohol concentration) and hand-washing facilities are provided in work and rest areas throughout the facility.
- Ensure an adequate supply of liquid soap, paper towel, hand sanitizer, tissues, and waste receptacles throughout the workplace, and in washrooms.
Managing COVID-19 in the workplace
- Contact information of all clients is mandatory under O. Regulation 136/20 with the exception of hairdressing and barbering services. It is highly recommended that hairdressing and barbering premises maintain client records to support public health contact tracing efforts (i.e. name, date, time, email address or phone number). Keep for 30 days and then shred.

Safety Plan:

A safety plan must be prepared and made available. The safety plan must:
- Describe measures/procedures that have been or will be implemented in the business, place, facility or establishment to reduce spread of COVID-19.
- Include measures for screening, physical distancing, masks, cleaning, disinfecting, PPE and preventing and controlling crowding.
- Be in writing and made available to any person for review on request.
- Be posted in a visible place to come to the attention of those working at or attending the location.
Use the COVID-19 Safety Plan Checklist to develop your safety plan.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems

Ensure the HVAC system(s) are properly maintained.
Increase outdoor air-exchange by:
maximizing the outdoor air ratio of the HVAC system settings, or
open windows and doors, if it is safe to do so.
Use the highest efficiency filters that are compatible with the HVAC system.
Keep seating and activities away from air vents and areas with high airflow.
Do not obstruct HVAC inlets and outlets.
When using ceiling fans, use an upward airflow rotation.
If portable fans are used, position fan with an upward movement to avoid blowing of air across people and surfaces.
There is no evidence the use of portable air purifiers will prevent the spread of COVID-19. If used, follow the manufacturer’s directions to decide where best to place the device. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance.
For more information, review the COVID-19: Transmission, Aerosols and Ventilation fact sheet.

Laundry

Regular detergent can be used for laundering towels and linens.
Clean and disinfect laundry baskets and launder reusable bags between uses. Do not use the same basket to carry or store clean items.

Increase public health awareness

Inform clients about the changes you have made to protect them against COVID-19, including by posting signs, updating information to your website or voice mail, etc.
Encourage staff and customers to download the COVID Alert app so they can be notified directly if they have been in close contact with someone who was contagious with COVID-19.
Download information and display information in high-visibility areas in your setting to promote messages about how to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- COVID-19: Posters & Graphics
- COVID-19 Fact Sheet

Service-specific checklists are available for the following:

Other Resources

For more information visit toronto.ca/COVID19 to stay up to date. Information for Personal Service Settings is also available at BodySafe or 416-338-BODY (2639).

Download this information as a PDF.

Resources:

Hair Salons & Barber Shops COVID-19 Prevention Checklist

This is a summary checklist of required measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while providing services as per Ontario Regulation 364/20. Please review the COVID-19 Guidelines for Personal Service Settings for more information on how to keep your staff and clients safe. For information on reopening businesses and workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to the Guidance for Employers on Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace. Requirements under the Ontario Personal Service Settings Regulation 136/18 still apply.

A. Workplace Safety

Prepare and make available a safety plan that describes the measures that have been or will be implemented to reduce spread of COVID-19, including measures for screening, physical distancing, masks, cleaning, disinfecting and personal protective equipment.
Assign a compliance officer to ensure implementation of occupational health and safety and infection prevention and control measure.
Regularly review heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they are functioning and in good working order.
Develop a policy on the wearing of masks, as per the City of Toronto Find more information about the mandatory use of masks, and use the checklist and sample policy.
Discourage staff from gathering together in a lunchroom/common areas.

B. Health Screening & Attendance

Advise staff to report illness to their supervisor/manager and to stay home if sick.
Staff are actively screened for COVID-19 symptoms before starting each shift.
If staff become ill during a shift, they are advised to go home right away and self-isolate. Instruct them to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, their health care provider or an Assessment Centre to get tested.
Clients are actively screened before entering the premises. Those with COVID-19 symptoms and/or who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 are not permitted to enter.

C. Medical Masks & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff wear a medical mask at all times when indoors, including while providing personal services (e.g. hair washing).
Staff are educated on the proper use of medical masks, including to discard used masks when they become damp or soiled.
PPE such as gloves, medical masks, and eye protection (face shield/goggles) are available in the premises for staff to use when needed:
- Required to come within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask (e.g. client who is exempted) or face covering in a manner that covers that person’s mouth, nose and chin, during any period when that person is in an indoor area; and
- Is not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier from a person when within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask or face covering while indoors.
Staff are trained on the proper use of PPE.
Eye protection is assigned to every staff member, and cleaned and disinfected between clients.
Staff are trained on proper hand hygiene techniques and respiratory etiquette.

D. Signage at the Premises

Mask or Face Covering By-law No. 541-2020 sign is posted at the entrance of the premises.
COVID-19 screening assessment sign is posted at the entrance of the premises.
Handwashing and respiratory etiquette signs are posted at the entrance and in the premises.
Signs are posted asking walk-in clients to call from outside the premises to make an appointment.
Floor stickers and physical distancing signs are in high traffic areas to remind clients to keep two metres apart from others at all times.

E. Limit Clients in the Premises

Limit the number of clients in the premises to ensure everyone can maintain two metres of physical distancing from each other at all times.
Maximum number of clients permitted at one time is posted at the entrance of the premises, visible to the public.
Flexible staff schedules and staggered staff breaks and lunch hours are considered, to limit the number of people in the premises at one time.

F. Maintain Record of Clients

Maintaining attendance record of clients and contact information is highly recommended, and can only be used for COVID-19 contact tracing.
Operators to protect the personal information collected. Records are kept for 30 days, and then shredded.

G. Scheduling Appointments

Clients are informed they are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times while indoors, except while receiving services to the face. For clients unable to tolerate a mask or face covering, schedule the appointment for the end of the day when there are no other clients on-site.
No member of the public is to be in the premises except by appointment.
Client scheduling is encouraged by phone or online.
Waiting areas are closed off, and clients are instructed to wait outside the premises until their scheduled appointment.
Clients are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 when booking appointments and upon arrival at premises.
Clients are not permitted to bring guests, including children, unless they also have an appointment.
Ensure there is enough time between appointments for thorough cleaning and disinfection of equipment and workstations between clients.

H. Workstations

Workstations and equipment are at least two metres apart, or are equipped with plexiglass/other barriers with adequate height to ensure the protection between clients and staff.
Hand sanitizer with a minimum of 70% alcohol concentration is available at each workstation, and staff and clients are encouraged to use it frequently.
Magazines, brochures, decors and other unnecessary items are removed.
Workstations have their own products and tools, and are not shared between staff.

I. Personal Services

Services that require the removal of a mask or face covering may be provided, including facial hair grooming, face shaving, beard trimming, and face massages.
Service providers must wear a medical mask and eye protection when providing services that require the removal of a client’s mask or face covering.
Food/beverages are not permitted.
Brushes are not permitted. Clean towels are used to remove cut hair.
Hair dryers are used only when staff and clients are wearing a mask or face covering.
Plexiglass/other barriers are installed in the checkout area, when physical distancing cannot been maintained.
Touchless payments such as credit/debit/e-transfers without signatures are preferred.
Hand sanitizer is used before and after each cash transaction.
Protective covers (e.g. apron) used over clothing are laundered after each shift.

J. Shampooing

Basins, hoses, spray nozzles, faucet handles, shampoo chairs, shampoo bottles and arm rests are cleaned and disinfected between clients.
Basin area where the client rests their neck is covered with a clean towel or disposable plastic.
Used towels are placed in a laundry bin, and disposable plastic is discarded in a garbage bin immediately after use.

K. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

All work surfaces and equipment are cleaned with soap and water before disinfection.
Disinfectants are used after cleaning surfaces and equipment, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning/disinfectant wipes are used for surfaces only, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Plexiglass/other barriers are stable enough for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
Disposable covers are discarded immediately after use. Chairs, head/armrests and bottles must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.
High-touch surfaces such as phones, computer, cash register, credit card machine and door handles are cleaned and disinfected twice daily or more often as needed.

For more information contact BodySafe@toronto.ca or visit our website at BodySafe.ca.

Download this information as a PDF.

Nails & Aesthetic Services COVID-19 Prevention Checklist

A. Workplace Safety

Prepare and make available a safety plan that describes the measures that have been or will be implemented to reduce spread of COVID-19, including measures for screening, physical distancing, masks, cleaning, disinfecting and personal protective equipment.
Assign a compliance officer to ensure implementation of occupational health and safety and infection prevention and control measure.
Regularly review heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they are functioning and in good working order.
Develop a policy on the wearing of masks, as per the City of Toronto
- Find more information about the mandatory use of masks, and use the checklist and sample policy.
Discourage staff from gathering together in a lunchroom/common areas.

B. Health Screening & Attendance

Advise staff to report illness to their supervisor/manager and to stay home if sick.
Staff are actively screened for COVID-19 symptoms before starting each shift.
If staff become ill during a shift, they are advised to go home right away and self-isolate. Instruct them to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, their health care provider or an Assessment Centre to get tested.
Clients are actively screened before entering the premises. Those with COVID-19 symptoms and/or who have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 are not permitted to enter.

C. Medical Masks & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff wear a medical mask at all times when indoors, including while providing personal services (e.g. hair washing).
Staff are educated on the proper use of medical masks, including to discard used masks or when they become damp or soiled.
PPE such as gloves, medical masks, and eye protection (face shield/goggles) are available in the premises for staff to use when needed:
- Required to come within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask (e.g. client who is exempted) or face covering in a manner that covers that person’s mouth, nose and chin, during any period when that person is in an indoor area; and
- Is not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier from a person when within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask or face covering while indoors.
Staff are trained on the proper use of PPE.
Eye protection is assigned to every staff member, and cleaned and disinfected between clients.
Staff are trained on proper hand hygiene techniques and respiratory etiquette.

D. Signage at the Premises

Mask or Face Covering By-law No. 541-2020 sign is posted at the entrance of the premises.
COVID-19 screening assessment sign is posted at the entrance of the premises.
Handwashing and respiratory etiquette signs are posted at the entrance and in the premises.
Signs are posted asking walk-in clients to call from outside the premises to make an appointment.
Floor stickers and physical distancing signs are in high traffic areas to remind clients to keep two metres apart from others at all times.

E. Limit Clients in the Premises

Limit the number of clients in the premises to ensure everyone can maintain two metres of physical distancing from each other at all times.
Maximum number of clients permitted at one time is posted at the entrance of the premises, visible to the public.
Flexible staff schedules and staggered staff breaks and lunch hours are considered, to limit the number of people in the premises at one time.

F. Maintain Record of Clients and Staff

A daily record of staff and client attendance is maintained on-site, that includes contact information (e.g. full name, telephone number/email address) and time at the premises. This information can be used for contact tracing. Obtaining client information is a requirement of O. Regulation 136/18.
Operators to protect the personal information collected. Records are kept for 30 days, and then shredded.

G. Scheduling Appointments

Clients are informed they are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times while indoors, except while receiving personal services on the face. For clients unable to tolerate a mask or face covering, schedule the appointment for the end of the day when there are no other clients on-site.
No member of the public is to be in the premises except by appointment.
Client scheduling is encouraged by phone or online.
Waiting areas are closed off, and clients are instructed to wait outside the premises until their scheduled appointment.
Clients are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 when booking appointments and upon arrival at premises.
Clients are not permitted to bring guests, including children, unless they also have an appointment.
Ensure there is enough time between appointments for thorough cleaning and disinfection of equipment and workstations between clients.

H. Workstations

Workstations and equipment are at least two metres apart, or are equipped with plexiglass/other barriers with adequate height to ensure the protection between clients and staff.
Hand sanitizer with a minimum of 70% alcohol concentration is available at each workstation, and staff and clients are encouraged to use it frequently.
Magazines, brochures, decors and other unnecessary items are removed.
Workstations have their own products and tools, and are not shared between staff.

I. Personal Services

Services that require the removal of a mask or face covering may be provided (see Aesthetics section for details).
Service providers must wear a medical mask and eye protection when providing services that require the removal of a client’s mask or face covering.
Food/beverages are not permitted.
Gloves are changed after each task and after every client (e.g. from manicures to aesthetic services) and/or when gloves are soiled.
Staff discard gloves immediately after use, and wash hands before putting on new gloves.
Single-use items (e.g. towels) are preferred, and discarded immediately after each client.
Touchless payments such as credit/debit/e-transfers without signatures are preferred.
Plexiglass/other barriers are installed in the checkout area, when physical distancing cannot been maintained.
Hand sanitizer is used before and after each cash transaction.
Protective covers (e.g. apron) used over clothing are laundered after each shift.

J. Manicures and Pedicures

Clients wear a mask or face covering for the duration of the services.
Clients are required to wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before a manicure.
Clients are not permitted to touch/handle retail supplies, such as nail polish when selecting colours.
Hand and foot massages are not recommended.
Nail dryers are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between each client, allowing appropriate contact time of the disinfectant.

K. Aesthetics

When services are not on the face, clients wear a mask or face covering for the duration of the service.
Services tending to a customer’s face that require removal of a mask or face covering are now permitted. Service providers are required to wear a medical mask and eye protections when providing these services.
Regulated health professionals providing cosmetic injectables must comply with the Ontario Regulation 364/20 and Ontario COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart.

L. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

All work surfaces and equipment are cleaned with soap and water before disinfection.
Disinfectants are used after cleaning surfaces and equipment, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning/disinfectant wipes are used for surfaces only, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Plexiglass/other barriers are stable enough for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
Disposable covers are discarded immediately after use. Chairs, head/armrests and bottles must be cleaned and disinfected between clients.
High-touch surfaces such as phones, computer, cash register, credit card machine and door handles are cleaned and disinfected twice daily or more often as needed.

For more information contact BodySafe@toronto.ca or visit our website at BodySafe.ca.

Download this information as a PDF.

Tattooing & Body Piercing COVID-19 Prevention Checklist

A. Workplace Safety

Prepare and make available a safety plan that describes the measures that have been or will be implemented to reduce spread of COVID-19, including measures for screening, physical distancing, masks, cleaning, disinfecting and personal protective equipment.
Assign a compliance officer to ensure implementation of occupational health and safety and infection prevention and control measure.
Regularly review heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they are functioning and in good working order.
Develop a policy and protocols on the wearing of masks, as per the City of Toronto bylaw.
- Find more information about the mandatory use of masks, and use the checklist and sample policy.
Discourage staff from gathering together in a lunchroom/common areas.

B. Health Screening & Attendance

Staff are advised to report illness to their supervisor/manager and to stay home if sick.
Staff are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before starting each shift.
If staff become ill during a shift, they are advised to go home right away and self-isolate. Instruct them to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, their health care provider or an Assessment Centre to get tested.
Clients are screened before entering the premises. Those with COVID-19 symptoms and/or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, are not permitted to enter.

C. Masks or Face Coverings & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff wear a medical mask at all times when indoors, and while providing personal services.
Staff are educated on proper use of medical masks, including when to discard used masks when they become damp or soiled.
PPE such as gloves, medical masks, and eye protection (face shield/goggles) are available in the premises for staff to use when needed:
- Required to come within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask (e.g. client who is exempted) or face covering in a manner that covers that person’s mouth, nose and chin, during any period when that person is in an indoor area; and
- Is not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier from a person when within two metres of another person who is not wearing a mask or face covering while indoors.
Staff are trained on the proper use of PPE.
Eye protection is assigned to every staff member, and cleaned and disinfected between each clients.
Staff are trained on proper hand hygiene techniques and respiratory etiquette.

D. Signage at the Premises

Mask or Face Covering By-law No. 541-2020 sign is posted at the entrance of the premises.
COVID-19 health assessment sign is posted at the entrance of the premises.
Handwashing and respiratory etiquette signs are posted at the entrance and in the premises. Signs are posted asking walk-in clients to call from outside the premises to make an appointment.
Floor stickers and physical distancing signs are posted in high traffic areas to remind clients to keep two metres apart from others at all times.

E. Limit Clients in the Premises

Limit the number of clients in the premises to ensure everyone can maintain two metres physical distance from each other at all times.
Maximum number of clients permitted at one time is posted at the entrance of the premises, visible to the public.
Flexible staff schedules and staggered staff breaks and lunch hours are considered, to limit the number of people in the premises at one time.

F. Maintain Record of Staff and Client

A daily record of staff and client attendance is maintained on-site, that includes contact information (e.g. full name, telephone number, email address) and time at the premises. Information collected are voluntary, and can only be used for COVID-19 contact tracing. Obtaining client information is a requirement of O. Regulation 136/18.
Personal information collected is stored safely and securely, kept for 30 days, and then shredded.

G. Scheduling Appointments

Clients are informed that they are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times while indoors, except when receiving a tattoo or piercing on the face. For clients unable to tolerate a mask or face covering, schedule the appointment for the end of the day when there are no other clients on-site.
Client consultation and appointments are scheduled by phone or online.
Waiting areas are closed off and clients are instructed to wait outside of the premises until their scheduled appointment.
Clients are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 when booking appointments and upon arrival at appointment.
Clients are not permitted to bring guests, including children, unless they also have an appointment.
Ensure there is enough time between appointments for thorough cleaning and disinfection of equipment and workstations between clients.

H. Workstations

Workstations and equipment are at least two metre apart or equipped with plexiglass/other barriers with adequate height to ensure the protection between clients and staff.
Hand sanitizer with a minimum of 70% alcohol concentration is available at each workstation, and staff and clients are encouraged to use it frequently.
Magazines, tattoo/piercing books, brochures, decor and other unnecessary items are removed.
Workstations have their own products and tools, and are not shared between staff.

I. Personal Services

Tattoo and body piercings that require the removal of a mask or face covering may be provided.
Tattoo artists and body piercers must wear a medical mask and eye protection when providing services that require the removal of a client’s mask or face covering.
Food/beverages are not permitted.
Clients are not permitted to handle stencils, ink or jewellery. A two metre distance or a barrier/divider should be used when viewing items.
Gloves are changed after each task, and after every client and/or when gloves are soiled.
Staff discard gloves immediately after use, and wash hands before putting on new gloves.
Single-use items are preferred, and discarded immediately after each client.
Touchless payments such as credit/debit/e-transfers without signatures are preferred.
Plexiglass/other barriers are installed in the checkout area, when physical distancing cannot been maintained.
Hand sanitizer is used before and after each cash transaction.

J. Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection

All work surfaces and equipment are cleaned with soap and water before disinfection.
Disinfectants are used after cleaning surfaces and equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning/disinfectant wipes are used for surfaces only, in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Plexiglass/other barriers are stable enough for easy cleaning and disinfecting.
Disposable covers are discarded immediately after use. Chairs, head/armrests, and squeeze bottles, are cleaned and disinfected between clients.
High-touch surfaces such as phones, computers, pens, cash register, credit card machine and door handles are cleaned and disinfected twice daily, or more often as necessary.

For more information contact BodySafe@toronto.ca or visit our website at BodySafe.ca.

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