As of this weekend, transit users will no longer be required to wear masks, as the province is canceling almost all of its remaining mask mandates.
Dr Kieran Moore, the province’s chief medical officer, made the announcement Wednesday.
“With high levels of vaccination and the continuing situation with COVID-19 in Ontario, most of the remaining provincial camouflage requirements, including for public transportation, will expire at 12:00 a.m. on June 11, 2022.” Moore said in a statement.
However, the province said the mandatory disguise would continue in long-term care homes and retirees. In the meantime, camouflage in other general living conditions, such as shelters and group homes, will be recommended.
Moore said current directives on disguises in hospitals and other healthcare facilities will be repealed and replaced on Saturday with ministry guidelines on when to wear masks.
Most of the province’s camouflage requirements were removed in March, with the exception of those at high risk. They were due to expire in April, but were extended amid the sixth wave of the pandemic.
“Until the disguise requirements expire, organizations can implement their own policies. “Ontarians should continue to wear a mask if they think it is appropriate for them, are at high risk of serious illness, recover from COVID-19, have symptoms of the virus or have close contact with someone with COVID-19,” he said. Moore.
“Thanks to the efforts of all Ontario people who follow public health measures and get vaccinated, we have made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19.
Following the announcement, the Toronto Transit Commission said it would continue to recommend the use of masks in vehicles and stations.
“Although it is no longer mandatory at TTC from Saturday, we strongly recommend that you continue to use masks,” CEO Rick Leary said in a statement.
“Safety is paramount to everything we do. During the pandemic, we made decisions based on public health councils, while respecting all provincial mandates. “
The TTC implemented its mandatory masking policy in July 2020.
The transit agency said its operators in the conventional system would only have to wear a mask when providing a mobility device. However, he noted that the masks will still be needed for Wheel-Trans employees and customers.
“While the end of the mandate of the provincial masks is a sign that we are cautious and gradually returning to normal, we know that COVID-19 has not disappeared and we still strongly recommend continuing the use of masks in the TTC,” said TTC President Jay. Robinson in a statement. “Wearing a mask is a small measure we can all take to protect our communities.
TTC said customers should expect to start hearing new messages and seeing new signs and posters throughout the system to reflect the changes.
The University Health Network said its policy of camouflage in Toronto’s hospitals would remain in place.
“We made this decision because we care for patients with weakened immune systems,” said UHN spokeswoman Gillian Howard.
Speaking to CP24 earlier Wednesday, UHN Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Adbu Sharkawi said masking should still be mandatory, especially indoors, frequented by people vulnerable to COVID-19.
He added that he would continue to wear the mask indoors for the foreseeable future to protect himself and others, especially those who are vulnerable and whose immunity may be weakened.
“I think wearing a mask indoors is still a very important way to prevent not only the spread of COVID 19, but also many respiratory viruses,” Sharkawi said. “So personally, I would prefer to maintain a policy of camouflage indoors, especially in places where vulnerable people may need to visit, and that could include healthcare, obviously, pharmacies and supermarkets, and things like that. I understand that not everyone agrees with me. “
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