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
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.