Mask Guidelines

COVID Banner - Masks

To further support public safety and reduce the spread of COVID-19, the City of Richmond continues to require the wearing of masks in all indoor City-operated facilities until advised otherwise.

Face Mask Requirement
Masks will continue to be required when entering and inside common areas of community centres, libraries, arenas, pools, Minoru Centre for Active Living, the Cultural Centre, heritage sites, Fire-Rescue facilities and City Hall, as well as the Richmond Olympic Oval. The requirement includes visitors who are 5 years of age and older to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

Customers using a facility for physical activity (i.e. taking a fitness, martial arts or dance class, swimming or participating in a sports activity) will not be required to wear a mask while engaged in their activity but must wear one when entering, leaving and moving around in common areas of a building such as the main lobby, hallways, change rooms, stairwells and elevators.

In addition to being mandatory while in common areas, masks will also be required for:

Out of School Care (OSC) and daycamp participants who are in Kindergarten and up
Customers participating in a program/class that is not a physical activity (e.g. art, music or technology classes).

Mask Optional Activities
Activities include:

Swimming and aquatic programs
Fitness, martial arts, sports and dance activities
Ice Hockey practice (on-ice)
Figure Skating practice (on-ice)

Exemptions to the Face Mask Requirement
Those exempt from wearing a face mask while inside City-operated buildings include individuals:

Less than 5 years of age
With a sensory, cognitive or physical disability
With a chronic health condition that is respiratory in nature
Who are deaf or hard of hearing who may face increased communication challenges by wearing a mask
Who are unable to place or remove a face mask without assistance

It is vital that individuals are not stigmatized or judged if they are unable to wear a face mask due to a listed exemption. We ask for patience and kindness as everyone adjusts and navigates through these uncertain times.

Those who are not able to wear a face mask, for medical or other reasons, are asked to maintain a safe distance for the protection of themselves and those around them.

Wear Your Mask Correctly
Wearing your mask incorrectly is like not wearing it at all. Masks are most effective when fitted, worn and handled correctly. Masks should:

Cover the nose, mouth and chin without gapping
Be made of three layers of fabric, including two layers of tightly woven fabric, with a filter or filter fabric between layers
Include a filter when there are two layers with a pocket for a filter

Graphics courtesy of Public Health Agency of Canada

The following are not an adequate replacement for a mask and do not offer the same protection:

Face shields
Mouth shields
Masks with exhalation valves or vents
A bandana, neck gaiter or scarf

Responsibilities and Compliance
Individuals should bring and wear their own face mask. Single use disposable face masks will be provided if necessary. Please make sure to dispose of used disposable face masks into a waste bin. If one is not available, store your used materials in a paper bag until they can be disposed of properly. Ensure you wash your hands using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after removing your face mask.

Individuals are expected to make good personal decisions regarding the use of face masks. Staff will be informing individuals who are not wearing a face mask that they are required to wear one. Our primary focus is on education, and staff will do what they can to find a workable solution.

The City of Richmond is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons, participants, staff and volunteers. Every individual entering a City-operated building is expected to behave in a socially responsible manner that respects the rights of others. The City of Richmond expects all individuals to be responsible for their personal conduct.

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