Hospitals, specialized transit still require masks after Saturday

Ontario's remaining masking requirements in public transport and health-care settings are set to expire on Saturday - making masks optional in all public places.

The provincial government had kept the masking mandate in high-risk areas including hospitals, doctors' offices and shelters - while lifting measures for other indoor settings like schools, theatres and restaurants - on March 21.

The mandate was extended on April 27.

The chief medical officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, noted Wednesday during a news conference, that the provincial government would gradually alleviate mask mandates and COVID-19-related restrictions in the coming days, with Ontario's COVID-19 situation continuing to improve."

It is not confirmed if masking rules and restrictions would return in the coming months.

COVID transmission has significantly dropped over the last month. Public Health Ontario reported 386 cases on June 8, as opposed to over 1,500 cases on May 9.

Where do you still need masks in Hamilton?

Masking will still be required in shelters, retirement homes and long-term care homes to continue providing an additional layer of protection for the most vulnerable," the provincial government said in a release.

Both Hamilton hospital networks - Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph's Healthcare - will continue to follow masking mandates after the provincial rules expire.

At this time, the plan is for St. Joe's to continue with a universal masking policy beyond the provincial deadline of June 11," said Christine Cho, public affairs manager at St. Joseph's hospital.

She added that the hospital will review the updated guidance around masking" and determine the appropriate next steps."

Until then, the hospital will be following its internal masking policy and is asking everyone entering the hospital to have a face covering.

The provincial government said it will be revoking the remaining directives for health-care workers and organizations on June 11, including guidance on when masks should be worn in hospitals and other health-care settings.

Sylvia Pena, communications officer at the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), noted masks will be required only for accessible transit services on specialized transit vehicles out of an abundance of caution."

She added, Some customers and staff may wish to continue to wear a mask beyond (June 11) and may continue to do so."

At Metrolinx, the operator for GO trains and buses, the front-line staff will continue wearing masks for the time being, Fannie Sunshine, media adviser at Metrolinx told The Spectator.

Where are masks optional in Hamilton?

While the government has urged people to continue to wear a mask if they feel it is right for them," public transport in Hamilton doesn't require passengers to wear masks anymore.

HSR will drop mask requirements for conventional transit on Saturday. Metrolinx will also follow the provincial orders, making masks no longer required on GO."

Ritika Dubey is a reporter at The Spectator. rdubey@thespec.com