Toronto·Video

How some businesses are using AI to make sure customers are wearing masks

As masks become mandatory indoors in Toronto to fight the spread of COVID-19, and other parts of the GTA look to follow suit, some businesses are turning to artificial intelligence to make sure customers are following the rules.

Non-medical masks became mandatory in indoor public spaces in Toronto on Tuesday

How businesses are using AI technology for mask compliance

4 years ago
Duration 2:29
Non-medical masks are now mandatory in indoor public spaces in Toronto, and other regions are either considering or soon implementing similar bylaws. As Katerina Georgieva explains, some businesses are trying out artificial intelligence to make sure customers are following the rules.

As masks become mandatory indoors in Toronto to fight the spread of COVID-19, and other parts of the GTA look to follow suit, some businesses are turning to artificial intelligence to make sure customers are following the rules. 

New technology from a company called GroundLevel Insights, based in Pickering, Ont., is being used at a dozen locations throughout Canada.

Three business in the GTA are using the system, including at Flour Confections, a bake supply shop in Pickering. 

In addition to Toronto's mandatory mask bylaw, York, Halton and Peel regions are considering the move.

A similar bylaw will come into effect in the Durham region on Friday.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katerina Georgieva

Host of CBC Windsor News at 6

Katerina Georgieva is an RTDNA award winning multi-platform journalist for CBC News based in Windsor, Ont., with a passion for human interest stories. She has also worked for CBC in Toronto, Charlottetown, and Winnipeg. Have a news tip? You can reach her at katerina.georgieva@cbc.ca