Ontario prepares to drop mask mandates this weekend

However, organizations may still require employees to don the masks if they so choose

Ontario prepares to drop mask mandates this weekend

The government of Ontario will be lifting remaining masking requirements as of June 11, according to chief medical officer of health Kieran Moore, thanks to the province's improving COVID-19 statistics.

"With high vaccination rates and Ontario's COVID-19 situation continuing to improve, most of the province's remaining provincial masking requirements, including on public transit, will expire as of 12:00 a.m. on June 11, 2022," said Moore.

However, the official clarified that masks would remain a requirement for long-term care facilities and retirement homes to protect the most vulnerable members of the population.

Masks are recommended, on the other hand, in higher risk congregate living settings, such as shelters and group homes.

The province's mask mandate was originally supposed to expire back in April 27 but was extended until June 11 because of the pandemic's sixth wave.

But by this weekend, the province's remaining directives for healthcare workers and organisations will be revoked and replaced with new guidance coming from the Ministry of Health.

"This includes guidance on when masks should be worn in hospitals and other health care settings," said Moore.

Read more: Ontario court rejects 3 maternity leave-related claims

What happens to businesses?

The mask mandate might be expiring, but Moore said organisations may still implement their own.

"While masking requirements are expiring, organisations may implement their own policies," said the chief medical officer. "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."

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) already announced that they are still "strongly recommending" the use of masks while inside vehicles or stations once the mandate expires.

"Although no longer mandatory on the TTC as of Saturday, we strongly recommend the continued use of masks," said TTC chief executive officer Rick Leary. "Safety is paramount to all we do. Throughout the pandemic, we have made decisions based on public health advice, while following all provincial mandates."

For Wheel-Trans customers and employees, TTC said that mask will remain mandatory for them, attributing the decision to their consultation with their own Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit.

"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," said TTC chair Jaye Robinson.

"Wearing a mask is a small measure we all can take to help keep our communities safe."

Meanwhile, Moore said the province will continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation for any "significant changes," including any new variants of concern.

"I want to remind Ontarians to stay home when sick and, most importantly, get vaccinated and boosted if eligible. Staying up to date with vaccination is the best protection against severe outcomes and will help us maintain the progress we have made," said the official.

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