The Ontario chief physician says he is not worried about the increase in COVID-19 cases after the cancellation of almost all other mask mandates tomorrow.
On Wednesday, the provincial government announced that mask mandates would be lifted in most high-risk conditions by 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Masks will no longer be required on public transport, hospitals and shelters. However, the mandates will remain in force for retirement and long-term care homes.
The province first introduced mandates for masks to reduce the spread of the virus in October 2020.
Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Kieran Moore says he is not worried about the increase in coronavirus cases after the mandates were revoked due to the high vaccination rate and the declining spread of the virus in the province.
“No (I’m not worried), mainly because Ontario residents continue to wear masks despite their mandate. We are cautious. We are careful. We are a little considerate of each other. And I continue to see camouflage even outdoors, walking the streets of Toronto, “Moore told CP24 on Friday morning.
Despite the province’s decision to repeal the disguise order, the head of the Ontario Scientific Table said the disguise mandates had to be maintained in high-risk conditions for “at least a few more weeks.”
In addition, several hospitals in Toronto said they would keep the disguise for now.
“I think Dr. Moore, looking at all the evidence and where we are with COVID, fortunately, thinks that we are now in a moment where we can give up this mandate for disguise, which is great news, good progress, but we are not out of the woods for particularly vulnerable groups, “University Health Network President Kevin Smith told CP24 on Wednesday.
Sick Children’s Hospital, Humber River Hospital, North York General Hospital, Sunnybrook Hospital, Women’s College Hospital and Mackenzie Health Hospital also said the mask requirements would remain in place.
Moore says he agrees with hospitals’ position on retaining camouflage mandates, as it is in line with provincial guidelines.
He added that the province is simply moving from a temporary mandatory disguise order to a standard of care.
“So I expect all these sites and partners to continue with all the best practices and lessons learned that we have had over the last two and a half years. So I have full confidence in patients, healthcare professionals and their families that the standards will be maintained without the need for a mandatory order, which includes fines and the risk of imprisonment, which we have never had to use. ”
Moore acknowledged that Ontario residents may feel uneasy about the abolition of the camouflage order, but said the province is in a good position right now with improving on most COVID-19 indicators, such as hospitalizations, positive tests and alert data. Wastewater.
“Our response in Ontario was brilliant. I have to thank all the people of Ontario because we are in this situation because the people of Ontario have received treatment. They accepted vaccinations and agreed to wear masks where necessary. And I think this is a time that is heading for summer, when we can remove the mandatory nature of camouflage, and the people of Ontario will remain cautious, careful as we head for autumn, “he said.
On Thursday, the province reported 549 patients in hospital, down from 121 patients a week ago. The province also has the lowest number of ventilator-assisted hospital patients since October 2020.
With files from Byron Aguilar from CP24
Add Comment