Ottawa's top doctor says 'widespread mask use' is no longer required in the community
Ottawa's medical officer of health says widespread mask use in the community is no longer required, as OC Transpo prepares to lift its mandatory mask requirements this weekend.
Ontario's chief medical officer of health announced that most remaining COVID-19 mask mandates will be lifted on Saturday, including masking requirements on public transit. Masks will continue to be required in long-term care and retirement homes.
Late Wednesday afternoon, OC Transpo announced masks will no longer be mandatory on OC Transpo buses, the O-Train and in stations starting on Saturday.
Medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches is "strongly recommending" you continue to wear a mask on public transit and in transit stations, but no longer believes masks should be mandatory for everyone.
"Writing as the Medical Officer of Health, I am no longer of the opinion that widespread mask use in the community is required," Dr. Etches said in a memo to council late Wednesday afternoon.
"Nonetheless, because the current COVID-19 surge is not resolved and future surges are anticipated, and given the non-discretionary nature of public transit for many residents and the fact that maintaining physical distancing on transit vehicles can be difficult and, at times impossible, Ottawa Public Health strongly recommends that mask use continue on public transit and in transit stations and supports OC Transpo to continue strategies to support and promote mask use at this time."
The Transit Commission voted to make masks mandatory on OC Transpo buses, the O-Train and in transit stations as of June 15, 2020. The motion stated widespread mask use would remain in effect until the medical officer of health says it is no longer required.
OC Transpo general manager Renee Amilcar told council the lifting of the mask mandate for OC Transpo will apply to passengers and employees.
"While wearing a mask will no longer be required by law, OC Transpo continues to follow Ottawa Public Health’s advice and strongly encourages people to wear masks on buses and trains, Para Transpo minibuses and taxis, and in stations and shelters. We ask everyone to be kind and respectful of one another," Amilcar said.
Mayor Jim Watson is encouraging people to continue to wear masks on public transit and in other enclosed spaces.
"When I'm on the bus or the train for the foreseeable future, I'll continue to wear a mask," Watson said after council. "It's just added precaution."
Some transit riders will still wear a mask after the mandate ends on Saturday.
"I'm still going to continue to take the bus even if some people's choices don't necessarily make me ultra comfortable," Christine Kirkland said. "I still believe in the effectiveness of masks to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19."
Julian Moran says he will keep his mask on.
"Buses kind of have a reputation of being a diseased cesspool. So, I’ve got my mask. I’m going to wear it."
Etches says Ottawa's COVID-19 monitoring indicators are "moving in the right direction", including wastewater viral levels and testing per cent positivity levels decreasing.
However, the top doctor says, "COVID-19 is still present in the community and maintaining this hard-won progress requires ongoing vigilance."
"Accordingly, OPH continues to recommend that everyone assess their own risk and take steps to protect themselves and those around them who may be at greater risk."
Etches recommends using layers of protection, including gathering outdoors, wearing a mask indoors when physical distancing may be difficult and staying home when you're sick.
Etches issued a directive in July 2020 to make face masks mandatory in indoor public spaces across Ottawa.
Infectious disease special Dr. Isaac Bogoch suggests mask mandates may need to return in the fall.
"Listen, when we’re in the fall and there’s a ton of COVID out there, I think it’s fair to kindly request people to put a mask back on in public transportation," Dr. Bogoch said Wednesday.
"So let’s just keep up to date with what’s happening. Let’s keep up to date with science and let the policy be driven by science."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.