Face Coverings

Wearing a mask or face covering provides a layer of protection that can help to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 or prevent transmission of the virus if you are asymptomatic. 

Individual circumstances are unique, and everyone’s situation will be different. It is important that we all be mindful that there are members of this community who remain at higher risk for serious outcomes.
As of June 26, 2023, masks are no longer required in these settings, but mask friendly environments are still encouraged.
Please note, organizations can choose to continue masking policies as part of their ongoing operations. For more information, visit the Province’s website.

The Brant County Health Unit supports the use of masks in indoor public settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. BCHU reminds the community to remain respectful of others, whether or not they choose to wear a mask.

A mask or face covering is no longer required in our clinic spaces. Clients are welcome to wear a mask or face covering and staff will mask upon client request.

Expand all

The Government of Canada updated their guidelines on face coverings on April 22, 2022:

Well-designed and well-fitting masks or face coverings can prevent the spread of your infectious respiratory droplets. They may also help protect you from the infectious respiratory droplets of others.

How well a mask or face covering works depends on the materials used, how the mask is made, and most importantly, how well it fits.

Wearing a face covering is not a replacement for other preventative measures, such as vaccination and physical distancing.

When wearing a face covering, it is important to remember:

  • Do not share your face covering with others
  • Wash your hands before putting on and after taking off a mask
  • Place the face covering over your nose, mouth and chin
  • Avoid touching your face and face covering while using it
  • Change your face covering as soon as it is moist or dirty
  • Do not leave your face covering tucked under the chin, hanging from your ear, or on your forehead
  • Remove the face covering by the ear loops without touching the front of the face covering
  • Put used face covering(s) in a plastic bag or directly in the laundry bin to be washed
  • Launder cloth face coverings after use with other items using the hot cycle and dryer
  • Dispose of disposable face coverings (one-time use) in a sealed garbage

Masks with exhalation valves or vents are not recommended. These masks do not protect others from COVID-19 or limit the spread of the virus. This is because they allow infectious respiratory droplets to spread outside the mask.

Wearing a face covering helps protect others from your respiratory droplets. The covering works to contain your respiratory droplets when you talk, cough or sneeze. You are protected when others wear a face covering.

Face coverings are not a replacement for other public health measures. You must continue to:

  • Stay home if you have any symptoms and get tested
  • Maintain physical distancing (at least two metres) whenever possible
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer