For the first time in almost two years, Ontario residents are no longer required to wear a mask in most indoor public settings.
As of Monday, the provincial government has lifted the majority of COVID-19 mask mandates, which have been in place since October of 2020.
Masking will still be required in high-risk settings such as hospitals, public health offices and clinics, congregate care settings, long-term care, and public transit. However, masking rules for all sectors will be removed on April 27th.
Those who wish to continue wearing a mask while in an indoor setting can continue to do so and some venues may encourage wearing one. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said its employees will still be required to wear masks at local arenas, halls and cultural venues.
As far as schools go, St Clair College will be keeping its own mask mandate in place until May 1st, the end of the winter 2022 semester. Masking will be voluntary for elementary and secondary students.
Several teachers’ unions and school boards in Ontario have raised concerns about dropping the mask mandates, with students returning to class on Monday after a week off for March Break.
