Doug Ford says 'we aren't far away' from dropping Ontario's mask mandate
Ontario isn't far away from dropping the provincial mask mandate, but it won't do so until the top doctor approves it, Premier Doug Ford says.
Ford was asked about the mask mandate during a press conference on Monday about creating a minimum wage for gig workers in Ontario.
"We aren't far away, so let’s all continue working together," Ford said. "What I'm hearing (is) over the next few weeks, maybe after March Break."
While Ford mentioned after March Break as a potential timeline, he also said he isn't ready to "set a date."
Ford said "there's no secret" he wants to drop the mask mandate, but he'll wait for Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore to give his recommendation that it is safe to do so.
"We'll wait for his advice and recommendations, and once he gives us recommendations we'll be able to move forward," Ford said. "There isn't a person I talk to who likes these masks, no one likes them, but I have to follow the advice."
Last week, Moore said Ontario's mask mandate would likely be lifted "simultaneously" across most sectors, including schools, when the time comes.
Ontario is only one day away from dropping nearly all of the COVID-19 restrictions, including the vaccine certificate program in most settings.
Capacity limits in all other indoor public settings will also be lifted as of Tuesday.
'NOW IS NOT THE TIME'
The Children's Health Coalition, a collective of children’s health organizations in Ontario, issued a statement Monday urging the province to keep the mask mandate in place in schools.
"While there have been recent calls to remove this public health measure, now is not the time," the statement said. "Masking in indoor school settings is still required to protect children and their families."
The Children’s Health Coalition says Ontario isn't ready to drop masks in schools because many children remain unvaccinated, and children under five are not yet eligible for the shot.
The recommendation from the Children's Health Coalition to keep masks in schools is supported by a number of children's hospitals in the province, including The Hospital For Sick Children in Toronto.
"We ask that the government continue to require masking in schools to protect children's health … As soon as the evidence suggests otherwise – and we rely on evidence to make our recommendations – then alternatives can be considered."
While speaking to CP24 Monday evening, Niagara Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, said he was “extremely uncomfortable” with the prospect of lifting mask mandates come Mar. 1.
“There's still a lot of infection going around, there's quite a substantial risk out there,” Hirji said. “I think taking away masks, which really don't impede economic activity, is a very bad decision at this point.”
He said Ontarians should “hold on to that protection” going forward.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Fewer medical students going into family medicine contributing to doctor shortage
As some family doctors are retiring and others are moving away from family medicine, there are fewer medical students to take their place.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.