Ontario to end most mask mandates Saturday, including in hospitals, on public transit
CBC
Ontario will lift most remaining mask mandates on Saturday, including in hospitals and on public transit.
The mandates are set to expire at 12 a.m. on June 11, however masking will remain mandatory in long-term care and retirement homes, the province's chief medical officer of health said in a news release Wednesday.
Dr. Kieran Moore said Ontario's COVID-19 situation, with the help of high vaccination rates, continues to improve.
Masks are still recommended in higher-risk congregate living settings, such as shelters and group homes, he said.
"While masking requirements are expiring, organizations may implement their own policies," Moore said in the release.
Toronto's University Health Network, for example, said following the announcement that a mask mandate will remain in place at its hospitals, which includes the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Centre, Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals.
"We have some of the most immune-compromised patients in the Province and masking is appreciated by patients, their Essential Care Providers and staff," UHN said in an email.
"Ontarians should continue to wear a mask if they feel it is right for them, are at high risk for severe illness, recovering from COVID-19, have symptoms of the virus or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19."
Moore said the province will also revoke directives for health care workers and organizations and replace them with guidance on Saturday.
"This includes guidance on when masks should be worn in hospitals and other health care settings," he said.
Moore said the province will continue to monitor for new variants of concern.
The Toronto Transit Commission, meanwhile, said on Wednesday it strongly recommends that riders continue to wear masks while on vehicles or in stations. Masks will continue to be mandatory for riders and employees using Wheel-Trans — the TTC's service for people with disabilities.
"While the end of the provincial mask mandate is a sign that we are cautiously and gradually returning to normal, we know that COVID-19 has not disappeared and are still strongly recommending the continued use of masks on the TTC," TTC Chair Jaye Robinson said in a news release.
"Wearing a mask is a small measure we all can take to help keep our communities safe."
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