City of Calgary Mandates Masks in Public Areas

Beginning August 1, the temporary Face Coverings Bylaw will require masks or face coverings to be worn in any indoor public area in the City of Calgary. Masks or face coverings must also be worn in any public vehicle, such as a taxi, and on public transport.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of non-medical masks when physical distancing is not possible to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The City of Calgary has stated that the Face Coverings Bylaw has been implemented in order to reduce the risk of a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases as more businesses open and social interactions increase.

Businesses will also be required to display signage at their entrances to remind patrons of the bylaw. Signage is available for download here. Additionally, there is a guide for business owners on how the Bylaw may affect their business or organization. That can be found here.

Some individuals will be exempt from the Face Coverings Bylaw. These exceptions are:

• children under 2 years of age;

• people with underlying medical conditions or disabilities inhibiting their ability to wear a face covering;

• people who are unable to place, use, or remove a face covering safely without assistance;

• people who are eating or drinking at a public premise that offers food or beverage services;

• people engaging in an athletic or fitness activity;

• people who are caregiving for or accompanying a person with a disability where wearing a face covering would hinder the accommodation of the person’s disability (for example, the ability to lip-read); and

• people who have temporarily removed their face covering where doing so is necessary to provide or receive a service (for example, a visit to the dentist).

More information on the Face Coverings Bylaw can be found here. Common questions and answers regarding the Bylaw can be found here.