Ontario is set to remove current mask mandates on March 21st in most settings, including schools.
The Province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore made the announcement this morning.
Dr. Moore notes that while the mandate will be removed in most settings, there are a number of places where makes will still need to be worn.
It was also announced that all remaining public health measures, directives and orders will end as of April 27th.
The province says improving health indicators, such as a stable COVID-19 test positivity rate, declining hospitalizations, Ontario’s high vaccination rates and the availability of antiviral treatments, allow for these moves to be made.
The next step in Ontario’s reopening will come on March 14, when mandatory vaccinate or test policies will end for workers in schools, childcare settings, hospitals and long term care.
Government officials say individual organizations will have the authority to keep their own requirements in place, and most hospitals have said they will continue their strict vaccine mandates.
Officials say isolation requirements for those who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms are part of ongoing guidance and will remain in place.
But those guidelines are being changed today for close contacts of someone with COVID-19 or who is symptomatic notes Dr. Moore.
People will only need to isolate if their close contact is a household member and if they are an adult who has not received a booster dose or someone under 18 who has not received two doses.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman with files from The Canadian Press
