Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.” We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.
Today’s question is about the City’s mandatory face covering by-law.

What you need to know about mandatory face coverings in Mississauga

1.    Why are face coverings mandatory?
Face coverings are mandatory in Peel Region based on the recommendations of Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel.

2.    When does the by-law take effect and how long will it be implemented for?
Mandatory face coverings take effect for individuals on July 10, 2020 until October 1, 2020.

3.    Where are face coverings required?
Face coverings are required in public establishments that are located indoors and accessible to the public, such as retail stores, businesses that sell food, and shopping malls. Face coverings are also required in taxis and private vehicles for hire, such as Uber and Lyft.

A full list of indoor public establishments can be found here:
mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/covid-19-recovery/mandatory-face-covering-by-law/

4.    Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Exceptions include children age 2 or under, persons with underlining medical conditions and persons who are unable to remove a face covering without assistance.

Also, the by-law does not apply to employees/staff members working within public establishments while they are behind a physical barrier, like plexiglass, or within an area of the building that is restricted to staff and not available to the public.

Individuals will not be asked to show proof that they are exempt from by-law. If they advise that they are exempt, that’s all that the by-law requires.

5.    Why was the decision made to not provide proof if people are exempt from the by-law?
If someone indicates they are unable to wear a mask, you should not ask them the specific reason as to why they are unable to wear a mask. If they advise that they are exempt, that’s all that the by-law requires.

6.    How will the wearing of face coverings be enforced?
The by-law will be enforced on a complaint basis by municipal law enforcement officers from the City’s Enforcement Division and Security Services Section.

7.    How much is the fine for violating the Face Covering by-law?
The City is applying to the Ministry of the Attorney General for set fines of less than $500 for both businesses and individuals.

8.    Will residents receive a warning first before getting fined?
The City will be taking the approach of education and awareness regarding the new by-law first, followed by enforcement.

9.    Who will be issuing fines?
Enforcement of the by-law will be the responsibility of the City’s By-law Enforcement Officers (non-City property), Corporate Security Officers (City facilities and buildings) and Transit Enforcement Officers (City transit terminals and MiWay buses).

10.  Should residents report violations of this by-law?
To report any businesses or individuals not following the by-law, please contact 3-1-1 (905-615-4311 outside of City limits).

11.  If a citizen witnesses a dispute between a store owner (for example or anyone who works in a building) and someone who refuses to wear a mask, what should they do?
Please contact Peel Police if public safety is at risk.

12.  Where should people go for more information if they think they have COVID-19?
For more information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.