Face covering requirements

For the safety and protection of residents and city council approved a bylaw requiring the wearing of face coverings (masks) in all indoor public locations effective August 14. The bylaw will expire on October 31 unless extended by a resolution of council.

Face coverings do not replace other measures such as physical distancing, regular handwashing and staying home when sick.


When to wear a face covering in public

Effective August 14, residents are required to wear a face covering in all indoor locations accessible by the public. This includes:

  • Restaurants
  • Bars
  • Retail stores
  • Banks
  • Registries and other services
  • Recreation centres
  • Churches, temples or other places of worship
  • Vehicles for hire (e.g., taxis, Uber)

Members of the public and city staff interacting with the public are also required to wear face coverings in the following city buildings (please note some buildings remain temporarily closed to the public or are open by appointment only):

  • City Hall
  • Bibliothèque de Beaumont Library
  • Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre
  • Centre Communautaire Beaumont Community Centre
  • Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre
  • Chantal Bérubé Youth Centre
  • Collaborative Business Innovation Centre (CoBIC)
  • Family and Community Support Services
  • Beaumont RCMP Detachment
  • Operations Facility
  • Fire Hall


Appropriate face coverings

  • The face covering must cover the mouth, nose and chin
  • Can include cloth, disposable and non-medical masks
  • For help choosing the right non-medical face covering to wear in public

Proper face covering use

  • Wash or sanitize your hands when putting on or taking off your face covering
  • Hold and adjust masks by the loops. Try not to touch the front of the face covering or mask.
  • Wear it over your nose, mouth and chin. Don’t wear it below your nose or pull it down beneath your chin.
  • Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw on how to wear a non-medical mask


Exceptions to wearing a face covering

Not everyone is able to wear a face covering, nor can they be worn at all times. Exceptions include:

  • Children under two years of age or a child under five (chronologically or developmentally) who refuses to wear a mask and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver
  • People who cannot put on, use or remove a face covering without assistance
  • People who are unable to wear a face covering due to a mental or physical condition, or disability
  • While seated in a restaurant, bar or other premise where food or drinks are sold
  • While participating in physical exercise or other physical activities
  • People providing or receiving care or assistance for a mental or physical condition, disability or limitation and a face covering would hinder providing or receiving that caregiving or assistance
  • Children, parents or guardians, and staff at city child care facilities

Proof of exemption is not required.


For more information

Read Bylaw 984-20 Temporary Face Coverings Bylaw 

Government of Alberta, COVID-19: Masks

Government of Canada, Non-medical masks and face coverings: About

CTV News, Is there a polite way to ask someone to practice good COVID-19 etiquette?

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does the bylaw apply to churches and other places of worship? Is the pastor, leader or other speaker required to wear a mask when speaking?
  2. Is it constitutional to make face coverings mandatory in public places, including private businesses?
  3. Public health is a provincial responsibility. Why is the city making face coverings mandatory to wear in business places?
  4. Am I required to wear a face covering if I have a medical condition or disability?
  5. Will I be required to disclose my medical condition if I can’t wear a face covering?
  1. As a business owner, am I expected to enforce the bylaw if one of my customers refuses to wear a face covering?
  2. Why does the bylaw exempt city staff from wearing face coverings at work?
  3. Why are people not required to wear a face covering when they are participating in physical or fitness activity?
  4. Does the face covering requirement apply to child minding services, such as those offered by churches, community organizations, and recreation centres in Beaumont?
View All