Ontario on track to lift mask mandate by end of March: officials
It’s likely become a part of your everyday routine over the past two years, but wearing a mask may no longer be mandatory by the end of the month.
Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, said despite concerns about a new COVID-19 subvariant, Ontario remains on track to lift its mask mandate for most indoor settings by the end of this month.
The move is bringing mixed reaction.
"I’m kind of excited to get that off my face honestly," said Kassidy MacKinnon, an Ottawa resident.
But not everyone feels the same way.
"I’m going to continue wearing a mask," Funmi Oyapro says. "I just don’t know how safe everything really is."
Phil Wilder of Ottawa says he’s going to do the same.
"I’m not sure if in the summer I’ll continue with that, but at the moment I’ll certainly continue to wear a mask," said Wilder.
On Thursday, Ontario’s top doctor said the highest risk is behind us.
"We can anticipate If the trends continue that we will be removing mandatory masking by the end of March," Dr. Moore said.
Meanwhile, Ottawa Public Health continues to recommend wearing a mask in order to limit COVID-19 transmission and especially in indoor settings or when not physically distancing.
"While there are so many people in the community who have COVID-19, it is not time to get rid of masks," said Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth, an Ottawa family physician.
Dr. Gerald Evans, an epidemiologist, says it will be up to people to do their own risk assessment.
"A lot of it has to do with your age and your personal health," Dr. Evans said. "The number one factor that predicts the likelihood of a more severe COVID-19 outcome is age."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.