The mask mandate is still in place at these London, Ont., locations

Despite the fact Ontario is lifting mask mandates starting Saturday, some Londoners have no plans to shed the face coverings, with local hospitals also keeping the rules in place.

On Wednesday, the province's chief medical officer of health announced most mandatory mask rules would expire Saturday, including on public transit and in hospitals.

The London Transit Commission says it will follow provincial guidelines and allow passengers to board regular and specialized vehicles without a face covering. 

"We will be encouraging people to respect each other's decisions with respect to continuing to wear masks if they so choose," said general manager Kelly Paleczny. 

After Saturday, masks will still be required in Ontario long-term care homes and retirement homes. But in southwestern Ontario, all hospitals have agreed they're keeping masking requirements in place for the long term.

"Masks slow the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses and are one way we can continue to protect our vulnerable patients and residents from potential exposure to COVID-19," says Roy Butler, president and CEO of St. Joseph's.

Patients and visitors will also be screened when they enter facilities at St. Joe's. 

Dr. Kieran Moore, the province's chief medical officer of health, said Wednesday he made the decision based on high vaccination rates and improvements in the provincial COVID-19 situation.

Not all medical experts are convinced it's the right move, including the new scientific director of the Ontario Science Table. Dr. Fahad Razak said Thursday that masks provide a buffer, and while infection rates are dropping, hospitals are still treating patients.

"I'm heartened to see many hospitals have already announced that they will continue to require them," Razak said. "I suspect you'll see most institutions will require it."

The London Health Sciences Centre was caring for 19 patients with COVID-19 on Thursday and reporting a COVID-19 outbreak at University Hospital.

Opinions on downtown London streets were mixed when people were asked if and where they would wear masks. 

"I'm concerned about people who may have been exposed and have contracted COVID and don't know. Or people who may still be infectious but don't have symptoms. So how does it effect me? I'm going to keep wearing this mask," said Katie Kortekaas.

Are you ready to take your mask off in public places? Where will you continue to wear a mask? The comments are open for respectful discussion and we'd love to hear your thoughts.