Masking FAQ: Where do I have to wear a mask in Hamilton?

Don't feel bad if you're confused by the fast-changing rules and differing opinions on COVID pandemic masking.

The province is ending the legal requirement to mask in many indoor locations as of Monday - but not everywhere. The City of Hamilton technically still has a masking bylaw, but will probably drop it soon.

The public school board, meanwhile, is extending mandatory masking in the classroom beyond Monday - unless the province orders otherwise.

And some businesses and organizations are choosing to stick with must-mask policies in their own buildings, regardless of the provincial decision.

Here's what we know about where and whether you have to cover your face in public as of March 21:

Is the province dropping all pandemic masking rules Monday?

No. You still have to wear a mask in higher-risk" settings by law until at least April 27. Those include on transit, in seniors' homes, health-care settings, jails, shelters and congregate living.

But I can shop or see a show without a mask?

In some cases, yes. But remember: owners of stores, restaurants and other businesses can choose for themselves whether to stick to a mandatory-mask policy inside their own buildings. They could ask workers, customers or both to continue masking up.

For example, if you want to climb at Gravity Rock Climbing gym or attend class in-person at McMaster University, you'll still need to cover your face for a little while longer.

Can my employer force me to wear a mask after the provincial mandate ends?

Yes, said employment lawyer Ed Canning. You still have the right to do it as an employer if you've decided that's what's best for the health and safety of your workplace," he said.

Does the city still have its own mask bylaw?

Yes, the Hamilton bylaw will technically still exist Monday morning - but probably not for much longer. Councillors will consider a motion to rescind local masking and physical-distancing rules at a special meeting Monday morning.

Can my kids go to school without masks now?

Stay tuned for updates on that question. Despite provincial direction to end masking requirements as of Monday, Hamilton's public board plans to extend mandatory school masking until April 1 as a transition period." Hamilton's Catholic school board, by contrast, is following the provincial direction to end mandatory face covering Monday.

Is there a reason to keep masking indoors?

Many local health officials argue the answer to that question is yes," at least in busy indoor areas.

Rob MacIsaac, CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences, issued a public plea for continued regular masking beyond March 21 to help control an expected rise in spring COVID cases and relieve pressure on bone-weary hospital workers.

Health officials are also keeping a nervous eye on new COVID outbreaks in Asia and rising cases in the U.K., where mask mandates were abandoned earlier.

On the upside, the latest modelling from Ontario's science table of experts predicts a manageable" rise in COVID cases following the end of the mask mandate.

Matthew Van Dongen is a transportation and environment reporter for The Spectator. mvandongen@thespec.com