Ontario extends mask mandate in some public settings to June 11

Ontario is extending mandatory masking on public transit, in hospitals and nursing and retirement homes longer than chief medical officer Dr. Kieran Moore previously signalled.

As the province fights the sixth wave of COVID-19, the masking mandate that had been set to expire April 27 will continue until June 11, Moore said Friday.

To protect our progress in managing this latest wave, I am maintaining masking requirements in specific public settings where individuals who are, or may be, at increased risk of severe outcomes, are in close contact for extended periods," Moore said in a statement Friday.

A week ago, he envisioned a four-week extension until May 25.

The change extends the mandatory masking until nine days after the June 2 provincial election.

Rob Ferguson is a Toronto-based reporter covering Ontario politics for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @robferguson1