Now that Ontario’s proof of vaccination system has ended, will the province follow other jurisdictions by removing mask mandates?
During a press conference on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says not yet, as leadership is waiting for further direction from Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore.
“There’s no secret. There isn’t a person I talk to who likes these masks. No one likes them,” said Ford. “But I got to follow the advice, and we aren’t far away. Let’s all continue working together.”
Ford noted that March Break is a potential target for the end of Ontario’s mask mandates, but he still isn’t ready to announce an expected date.
This year’s March Break is scheduled for March 14 to March 18. 2020’s March Break marked the beginning of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, two years ago.
“What I’m hearing is over the next few weeks, maybe after the March Break when kids get back, but we’ll see. I don’t want to set a date,” adds Ford.
The Province of Manitoba plans to remove mask requirements and all other restrictions by March 15, with the exception of masking in long-term care homes.
Saskatchewan’s mask mandate and all remaining public health orders were removed on the morning of February 28, while masking in Alberta came to an end on March 1.
Quebec has announced a plan to lift their mask mandates in schools by March 14, with plans to eventually remove all remaining mask mandates at a later date.
New Brunswick announced last week that it would lift its mask mandate for indoor public settings by March 14; a plan that Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to follow.
During a virtual press conference on February 25, Canada’s top doctor, Theresa Tam, said masks are a ‘fundamental’ layer of protection, despite some provinces now moving to remove mandates.
“Whether your jurisdiction requires it or not or whether your setting requires it or not, it’s something you can do to protect yourself and others. The virus is still very much alive,” said Tam.
During a regional press conference on March 1, Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit, Dr. Kit Young Hoon, says
“I think we’re all hopeful of course that numbers will be improving by then, so that we can all start collectively, along with the rest of the province, relax our public health measures,” said Young Hoon.
“I’m hopeful like everyone else that it is a possibility, and that would make sense for our region at the time that it’s lifted provincially.”
Ontario’s Minister of Health and Deputy Premier, Christine Elliott, has said the province expects masking to continue to be important for ‘some time to come.’
But last week, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, said a review of Ontario’s mask mandate is already underway, and an announcement could be made ‘in the coming weeks.’
“Masking requirements will remain in place for the time being. Masking does remain an important tool in our toolbox,” said Moore.
“Even when it’s no longer required in public settings, it will continue to be an effective tool for reducing transmission and protecting those recovering from illness.”
Although, Moore said he expects masks to continue to be mandated in high-risk settings such as public transit, hospitals and long-term care homes.
Moore adds that the province plans to lift their mask mandates in all remaining indoor public settings at the same time as school mandates, opposed to separating out the two announcements.
“The consultations have started and we will be working with school boards, parents and the ministries to make a decision together. But we do anticipate if we remove it in the public sector, we would do it simultaneously for schools,” he said.
Currently in Ontario, all students in Grades 1 to 12 are required to wear masks at all times. Masking for Kindergarten students remains highly recommended.
A few days after Moore’s comments, Ontario’s Children’s Health Coalition issued a statement urging the province to keep masking in schools, as many children – especially those under 5 – remain unvaccinated.
“For now, let’s ensure kids remain as healthy as they can in schools by keeping masks on,” wrote the Coalition.
“Masking in indoor school settings protects children and their families. As soon as the evidence suggests otherwise, then alternatives can be considered.”
The Coalition says an increase in vaccination rates for children aged 5 to 11 and boosters for those aged 12 to 17 would be one way to help remove masking mandates within schools.
The Coalition’s message and the recommendations were supported by a variety of children’s hospitals in Ontario.