The City of Toronto has announced that face masks will be mandatory for TTC riders as an increased safety precaution due to the coronavirus pandemic as of July 2.
Mayor John Tory said the decision was made on the recommendation of TTC CEO Rick Leary and Toronto’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen DeVilla.
The transit commission voted unanimously to pass the recommendation on Wednesday. Exceptions will be made for people with medical conditions and riders under the age of two.
The news comes after Brampton, Mississauga and Ottawa implemented the same protocol.
“This will help to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our city,” Tory said. “As the restart and reopening begins, we know that there will be more people back on the TTC … but at the same time physical distancing will become a greater and greater challenge.”
Tory said that the protocol is for both riders and TTC.
The Ontario government said Thursday that it recommends all public transit riders in the province should wear masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.
It also urged commuters to practice physical distancing and hand washing, and the installation of barriers between drivers and passengers along with frequent cleanings.
The Ford government released safety guidelines to transit agencies as the economy reopens and people return to work.
Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney said the guidelines were designed in consultation with health and transit authorities.