Ontario lifting most Covid Mask Mandates on March 21

By Matt Weingarden – The Lakeshore News Staff

Ontario will remove the mandatory masking requirement for most settings on March 21, with the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care, long-term care homes and congregate care.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.

“The majority of public health and workplace safety measures have now been lifted, and key public health indicators continue to improve or remain stable,” said Moore.

“With the peak of Omicron behind us, Ontario has been able to cautiously and gradually move through its reopening milestones. As we continue on this path, we are able to take a more balanced and long-term approach to Ontario’s pandemic response.”

Moore encourages society to remain kind, considerate and respectful toward those who choose to continue wearing a mask. 

According to Moore, high vaccination rates and natural immunity, as well as the arrival of antivirals, Ontario now has the tools necessary to manage the impact of the virus.

“Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19 and the best protection for the progress we have made,” said Moore. “We need to remain vigilant. We need to stay home when sick. And, most importantly, we need to get vaccinated and boosted.”

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit said in a press release that they acknowledge the announcement by the government and released this statement.

“Similarly, businesses and organizations in Windsor-Essex should assess the level of risk among staff, clients, patrons, or patients and continue with existing public health measures based on their assessment of risk. In this context, the health unit continues to encourage local organizations create or maintain vaccination policies.” 

Dr. Moore cautioned that “While this does not signal that COVID-19 has disappeared or that the pandemic is over, it does mean that we have come to a place where we know what we need to do to manage this virus and to keep each other safe.”

“I want to thank Ontarians for their ongoing resilience and commitment to community as we navigated this global pandemic together. Your sacrifices and collective actions have made a difference.

Learn how Ontario intends to lift the remaining public health and workplace safety measures and learn to manage COVID-19 for the long-term.