Regional hospitals to continue mask mandates despite province lifting the mandate
Most of the province's remaining mask mandates will lift at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, but major hospitals across the region will continue to require masking.
"COVID is still out there," said Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre's Chief of Staff, Dr. Jeff Tyberg. "There are a lot of vulnerable patients in the hospital, a lot of immunocompromised patients. We're already stretched for staff, and exposing staff can make those health human resources challenges even worse."
All the hospitals that make up Ontario Health's Central region confirmed the mask mandate would remain in place for everyone, including patients, staff and visitors.
The hospitals include two sites with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Headwaters Health Care Centre, and the region's largest hospital, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
"We know that masks are a simple and effective way to reduce the transmission of COVID-19," Dr. Tyberg continued.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
On Saturday, masks will no longer be required on public transit, planes or trains in Ontario.
Despite the province's decision to lift the masking order, the head of Ontario's science table said masking mandates should have been maintained in high-risk settings for "at least a few more weeks."
Masks are still required in long-term care and retirement homes.
Simcoe Muskoka's top doctor highly recommended continued masking in public settings.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.