Ontario’s chief medical officer of health is extending the province’s mask mandates in “higher-risk” indoor settings like hospitals and long-term care homes.
Dr. Kieran Moore announced Friday indoor mask requirements will be extended until June 11 for public transit, health care settings (including hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, labs and more), long-term care and retirement homes, and “shelters and other congregate care settings that provide care and services to medically and socially vulnerable individuals.”
The mask requirements had been set to expire as of next Wednesday, April 27.
“To protect our progress in managing this latest wave, I am maintaining masking requirements in specific public settings where individuals who are, or may be, at increased risk of severe outcomes, are in close contact for extended periods of time,” said Dr. Moore.
“Continuing to follow masking requirements and keeping up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations are the best ways we can prevent transmission and protect our friends, families, and our communities.”
A complete list of settings where masking requirements continue to apply is available online.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health will also maintain the CMOH directives currently in effect until June 11, after which the ministry will issue guidance on personal protective equipment recommendations for infection prevention and control in health care settings.
“Given the province’s high vaccination rates, expansion of booster doses, as well as the arrival of antivirals, Ontario has the tools necessary to manage the impact of the virus,” the province said in the announcement.
“The Chief Medical Officer of Health and the province will continue to monitor key indicators and the COVID-19 situation across Ontario.”
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