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
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.