Simcoe Muskoka's top doctor urges caution as province lifts more mask mandates
Most of the remaining mask mandates will expire Saturday across the province, prompting Simcoe Muskoka's top doctor to urge caution as "there is still a significant amount of transmission of COVID-19."
Ontario's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, stated on Wednesday that mask directives would end for public transit, hospitals and other health-care settings.
"We recommend that individuals continue to wear masks in transit settings as the province lifts the requirement to do so," stated Dr. Charles Gardner in an email to CTV News.
"We also recommend that mask-wearing continue in hospitals and other health-care settings," he continued.
The province lifted mask mandates in most public settings, like restaurants and gyms, in March, and in April, extended the requirement for public transit, hospitals and long-term care and retirement homes.
"We continue to recommend mask use in indoor public and workplaces when within two metres of others," Dr. Gardner added.
The region's medical officer of health also noted vaccination, distancing, self-monitoring and testing for symptoms as important measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
He noted the health unit supports the province's decision to continue to require masks in long-term care and retirement homes "and recommends ongoing mask use in other congregate settings" such as group homes and shelters.
Citing vulnerable patient populations, several regional hospitals confirmed to CTV News that they would continue mask mandates after Saturday, including Southlake Regional Health Centre, Orillia Soldiers' Memorial, and Georgian Bay General.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
1 RCMP officer killed, 2 seriously injured while executing search warrant in Coquitlam, B.C.
One RCMP officer was killed and two others were seriously injured while police were executing a search warrant at a home in Coquitlam, B.C., Friday.
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE 'Shared intelligence' from Five Eyes informed Trudeau's India allegation: U.S. ambassador
There was 'shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners' that informed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's public allegation of a potential link between the government of India and the murder of a Canadian citizen, United States Ambassador to Canada David Cohen confirmed to CTV News.
'He was truly exceptional': Slain B.C. RCMP officer identified
B.C. RCMP has identified the officer killed while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam Friday morning as Const. Rick O'Brien.
WATCH
WATCH Video of rats running on wall prompts closure of Waterloo Tim Hortons
A Tim Hortons on University of Waterloo campus has been closed after a video of rats scurrying down one of the restaurant’s walls surfaced online.
'He had a big heart': Father of fallen teenage wildland firefighter remembers his son
When 19-year-old Jaxon Billyboy graduated high school in Williams Lake in June, it was a proud moment for his father Sheldon Bowe.
How does India's visa office suspension affect Canadian travellers?
The suspension of Indian visa services for Canadians this week has prompted uncertainty among many who had hoped to travel to India in the near future. Here's what the visa centre closure could mean for India's sizable diaspora community in Canada, which is now caught in the middle of rising diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Health Canada recalls more than 28,000 X-Lite lighters due to burn hazard
Health Canada has issued a recall notice for the X-Lite Multi-Purpose Lighter, warning consumers about the potential fire and burn hazards associated with this product.
TREND LINE
TREND LINE Conservatives extend summer lead over Liberals, NDP sees bump in Nanos ballot tracking
With the fall sitting of Parliament underway, Nanos ballot tracking shows the federal Conservatives continue to hold onto the lead they’ve had all summer while the Liberals remain stalled, and the NDP has managed to gain a bit of steam in third place.
Who's Bob Menendez? New Jersey's senator charged with corruption has survived politically for years
Bob Menendez, 69, has survived politically for nearly five decades. The son of Cuban immigrants and an attorney by training, he was a Union City, New Jersey, school board member at age 20 -- before he graduated from law school -- and went on to become the mayor of the city. Here's some of what we know about him.
Atlantic
-
A year after Fiona: Nova Scotians still fear blackouts as utility claims improvements
Some are weary of Nova Scotia Power's promises for improvement, as fall hurricane season brings lengthy power outages he feels could be avoided.
-
‘We’re kind of homeless’ Fredericton fire displaces 110 people
A fire in Fredericton’s north side on Thursday has displaced 110 people at a time where the city is seeing extremely low vacancy rates.
-
Halifax Mooseheads to retire Nathan Mackinnon's number
Colorado Avalanche star player Nathan Mackinnon, is back home. MacKinnon’s number 22 retired will Friday night, by his former junior team, the Halifax Mooseheads.
Montreal
-
Jewish groups celebrate as Quebec man sentenced to 15 months for fomenting hatred
A Quebec man convicted of promoting hatred against Jews has been sentenced to 15 months in jail and three years of probation.
-
The Bill 96 effect: CEGEP student warns others to get their English eligibility certificate before it's too late
A John Abbott College student has learned the hard way that applying for a certificate of eligibility for English instruction before graduating high school has become even more critical under the new French language law in Quebec.
-
Man, 32, charged with severe beating of homeless man at Montreal metro station
Montreal police (SPVM) arrested a suspect in connection with the assault of a homeless man at a metro station in the Latin Quarter that left the victim unconscious.
Ottawa
-
Wrath of the wasps
There is a buzz in the air and it’s more than that summertime weather we’ve been feeling. It's wasps and lots of them.
-
'Major injuries' after motorcycle, vehicle collide in front of Napanee high school
Ontario Provincial Police say a motorcycle rider was sent to hospital with "major injuries" after a crash with a vehicle in front of Napanee District Secondary School.
-
Ukrainian Canadians in Ottawa show support for Zelenskyy
Ukrainian Canadians gathered on Parliament Hill on Friday as a show of support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he addressed parliament.
Toronto
-
Premier Doug Ford announces cabinet shuffle hours after 3rd minister resigns in a month
Premier Doug Ford is shuffling his cabinet for the second time in recent weeks after Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton announced Friday he is stepping away from politics to move into the private sector.
-
Toronto police looking for man who allegedly lifted up clothing of 2 girls, took picture
Toronto police are looking for a man who allegedly lifted up the clothing of two young girls and, in one instance, took a picture of the victim’s stomach.
-
Woman dies in hospital after suspected hit-and-run left her severely injured on Ajax road
A woman has died in hospital after being found severely injured on a road in Ajax, Ont. Wednesday in a suspected hit-and-run.
Kitchener
-
Pride flag burnt outside Kitchener, Ont. high school: Police
Waterloo regional police are investigating after a Pride flag was trampled and set on fire outside a Kitchener, Ont. high school.
-
Waterloo Region transit, food banks seeing record breaking usage with high student enrolment numbers
More students in Waterloo Region are relying on food bank and transit services than normal, leading to more pressure on the organizations.
-
Police looking for suspect in Uptown Waterloo homicide
Police are searching for a suspect after a fatal stabbing in Uptown Waterloo.
London
-
Police on scene of standoff situation in Delaware, Ont.
Police responded to a Delaware intersection for an apparent standoff situation Friday afternoon after a man refused to leave an apartment above a variety store and gas station.
-
Suspect in custody after man fatally stabbed in west end
An investigation is underway after a man suffering from a stab wound attended a home in west London, Ont. and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
-
'He appeared to be smiling': Officers describe chaotic scene during Nathaniel Veltman arrest
London, Ont. police officers were alerted to look for a black pickup truck just moments after a Muslim family was run over along Hyde Park Road in west London on June 6, 2021.
Northern Ontario
-
ATV driver killed in Blind River, 8th ATV death in 2 months
A 62-year-old was killed Thursday in an ATV collision in Blind River. It’s the eighth person to be killed in ATV crashes in the last two months in northern Ontario.
-
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE 'Shared intelligence' from Five Eyes informed Trudeau's India allegation: U.S. ambassador
There was 'shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners' that informed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's public allegation of a potential link between the government of India and the murder of a Canadian citizen, United States Ambassador to Canada David Cohen confirmed to CTV News.
-
Cheating allegations rock northern Ont. fishing tournament
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says it is investigating “a matter” related to the Top 50 Classic tournament held earlier this month on Lake Nipissing.
Windsor
-
Graphic warning: Two of four London officers involved in arrest testify at terrorism trial in Windsor
Two of four London police officers involved in the arrest testified at a terrorism trial in Windsor on Friday.
-
Sawed-off shotgun discovered in vehicle on Janette Ave
Windsor police have arrested a suspect after the discovery of an illegal firearm in a vehicle on Janette Avenue.
-
'Don’t hang up': Surge in 9-1-1 pocket dials prompts LaSalle police to sound alarm
LaSalle police are concerned about a high number of recent accidental 9-1-1 calls, and implored residents to stay on the line should emergency operators be dialed.
Calgary
-
One dead, another injured following 3-vehicle crash west of Okotoks: RCMP
A woman has died following a three-vehicle collision west of Okotoks.
-
Calgary getting safe child surrender site six years after infant found dead in Bowness dumpster
Calgary's first safe surrender site for babies will soon be available not far from the site where a newborn was found dead in a Bowness dumpster six years ago.
-
'He was truly exceptional': Slain B.C. RCMP officer identified
B.C. RCMP has identified the officer killed while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam Friday morning as Const. Rick O'Brien.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon judge: Fertuck's confession can be admitted as evidence
A Saskatoon judge has ruled that a confession provided to undercover RCMP officers during an elaborate sting operation can be admitted as evidence in a high-profile murder trial.
-
Saskatoon police donate body armour to Ukraine volunteers
Saskatoon police are shipping dozens of pieces of body armour to volunteers helping with humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
-
RiseAir plane diverted to Saskatoon over flat tire scare
Saskatchewan-based airline RiseAir confirms one of its planes was the subject of a diversion to the Saskatoon Airport Thursday after crews suspected a possible flat tire.
Edmonton
-
Alberta Mounties searching for 'armed and dangerous' men wanted for kidnappings
Two people who were kidnapped at gunpoint in eastern Alberta are now safe but police issued a public warning Friday about a pair of suspects who may be in Edmonton or Calgary.
-
'He was truly exceptional': Slain B.C. RCMP officer identified
B.C. RCMP has identified the officer killed while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam Friday morning as Const. Rick O'Brien.
-
City still looking for answers from TransEd after Valley Line LRT audit
The city has completed an audit on the Valley Line Southeast LRT project, but it’s not the comprehensive look at delays many on council were hoping for.
Vancouver
-
'He was truly exceptional': Slain B.C. RCMP officer identified
B.C. RCMP has identified the officer killed while executing a search warrant in Coquitlam Friday morning as Const. Rick O'Brien.
-
'He had a big heart': Father of fallen teenage wildland firefighter remembers his son
When 19-year-old Jaxon Billyboy graduated high school in Williams Lake in June, it was a proud moment for his father Sheldon Bowe.
-
1 RCMP officer killed, 2 seriously injured while executing search warrant in Coquitlam, B.C.
One RCMP officer was killed and two others were seriously injured while police were executing a search warrant at a home in Coquitlam, B.C., Friday.
