Grey-Bruce’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Arra, supports the government of Ontario’s plan announced today to lift masking requirements for most indoor public settings, including schools and stores, on March 21 Dr. arra says the plan is measured and the timing is appropriate based on current data and trends related to COVID-19.

“The mandatory masking policies, local and provincial, served their purpose and protected people from COVID-19,” Dr. Arra says. “With provincial and local public health indicators continuing to improve and based on current vaccination rates, the timing is right to end the universal requirement for masking in indoor public places that are not considered high-risk.”

Implementing the least restrictive policies possible in order to protect the population’s health is consistent with the principle of least intrusive, one of the key principles of public health, Dr. Arra says.

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore announced Wednesday the province’s plan to remove its masking mandate for most indoor public settings on March 21. Masking requirements will still be in place for high-risk settings such as hospitals, long-term care homes, congregate care settings, shelters and public transit.

Moore says the province’s high vaccination rates and arrival of antivirals means Ontario has the tools to manage the virus’s impact and we are now learning to live with and manage COVID-19 for the long-term.

Dr. Moore and Dr. Arra are urging  people to be kind to individuals who opt to continue wearing face masks in stores, restaurants and other lower-risk public settings after March 21.

Grey-Bruce implemented a mandatory mask policy for enclosed public places in July 2020 through an order issued by the medical officer of health. The order was renewed in September 2020.

The provincial masking mandate came into effect in October 2020 during the pandemic’s second wave.

Dr. Arra says the data show the vast majority of Grey-Bruce residents followed masking requirements.

“Our ability to lift the mandatory masking policy later this month is, in large part, due to the efforts of Grey-Bruce residents, who did everything they could to protect others and themselves from the spread of COVID-19,” he says.

The Grey Bruce Health Unit reminds people that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains the best defence against severe disease and complications.

source: media release, GBHU