Ontario extending remaining COVID mask mandates

"There will be more information coming on that particular issue later today," Health Minister Christine Elliott said.

Ontario will extend its remaining mask mandates in high-risk settings beyond April 27, a spokesperson for the health minister says.

Earlier Friday, Health Minister Christine Elliott was asked by a reporter at an unrelated press conference whether the province would be extending the mandate for high-risk settings beyond April 27 and announcing the decision ahead of time to avoid confusion.

“Yes. Dr. Moore is recommending that we extend the deadline past April 27 for mask wearing in hospitals, long-term care homes, congregate living settings — where people are the most vulnerable — and there will be more information coming on that particular issue later today,” Elliott said in response.

“There will be more information, more details available from Dr. Moore’s office.”

Elliott and Premier Doug Ford have repeatedly said they would follow Moore’s advice regarding masking.

Last week, Moore told The Canadian Press that he would be submitting a proposal to the government for a four-week extension beyond the current expiry date.

The extension will apply to settings such as hospitals, long-term care and public transit where mandatory masking remains in place.

— With files from The Canadian Press