Mask Mandates Lifted on March 21st

Wednesday, 9 March 2022 11:25

Starting March 21st, masks will only be mandated in certain places including public transit, health care settings, long term care homes and high risk congregate settings.

ONTARIO - The Province of Ontario will lift the mask mandate on March 21st.

Mask mandates will only be in effect in certain places including public transit, health care settings, long term care homes and high risk congregate settings.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore made the announcement this morning. Dr. Moore says all of the current trends show that the peak of Omicron is behind us. We have not had any major setbacks, since reopening the Province last month.

Dr. Moore says lifting the mask mandate, does not mean the pandemic is over.

"Removing the mask mandate does not mean the risk is gone, COVID-19 transmission is still occurring across the Province and masks can help protect you and others from becoming infected with COVID-19. In fact we can expect indicators such as cases and hospitalizations to increase slightly as Ontarians increasingly interact with each other.

He notes the high vaccination rates combined with natural immunity and better treatments, means that Ontario is better prepared to deal with any future waves.

Dr. Moore says anyone at higher risk of infection should continue to wear a mask.

"For those most vulnerable to the virus, it is still strongly recommended that you continue to wear a mask and please continue to respect the masking requirements that remain in place, such as Federal requirements for returning international travellers."

He also says the mandate could come back if a new variant arises or during the high risk months in the winter.

The Province also changed the guidelines for case and contact management.

Household members who 18+ and fully vaccinated with a booster will not longer need to self isolate when someone in the house tests positive for COVID-19. Household 18 and under who is fully vaccinated with two doses will also no longer need to self isolate when someone in the household tests positive. You will still be asked to stay away from high risk settings, such as long term care homes for 10 days.

Anyone who is a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to self isolate, regardless of vaccination status. Again you will still be asked to stay way form high risk settings such as long term care homes.

Close contacts and household members will still need to isolate if they are showing symptoms.

The province is also extending the "Reopening Ontario Act" on March 28th, for an additional 30 days. On April 27th, all remaining mask requirements and other directives and orders will end.