Ottawa Public Health has notified businesses that it is mandatory that the general public wear face masks in any indoor public space. In the interest of minimizing the spread of Covid-19 all residents should be wearing these protective coverings. (Exceptions would be children under the age of 2, anyone who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons or those who require accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code.)
This is an image of the sign that you will see posted in establishments around our community and the city. Be prepared and keep a mask or masks with you in your car or in your briefcase, backpack or purse.
A reminder of what we can all do to protect ourselves and our community and city from the spread of COVID-19:
Ottawa residents have an important role to play in avoiding a second wave of positive cases. The City encourages all residents and visitors to help prevent the spread and avoid the second wave of COVID-19 by following public health measures:
- Stay home when sick
- Arrive alone for appointments, when possible
- Wear a cloth mask for added protection – inside any business or public place and in situations when maintaining physical distancing may be difficult. Since some people who are infected with COVID-19 may have the virus and not know it, masks can help decrease the risk of spreading the virus.
- Practice physical distancing – keeping two metres from others
- Practice good hand hygiene – washing with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face