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
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.