Ontario's mask mandate has ended in most places. Here's where you still need one
COVID-19 mask requirements in Ontario will lift in most indoor settings on Monday.
Starting March 21, many of the settings in which Ontario residents have had to wear masks for the last two years will no longer require them.
The government said individuals can continue to wear a mask after that date if they choose to do so.
Here’s where you will be allowed to remove your mask as of March 21:
- Schools
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Grocery stores
- Banks
- Gyms
- Movie theatres
- Pharmacies
- Convenience stores
- Libraries
Here’s where you will need to continue wearing your mask as of March 21:
- Public transit
- Hospitals
- Medical clinics
- Long-term care homes
- Congregate care settings, such as shelters and jails
The government originally said that mask mandates in the latter category would lift on April 27, effectively putting an end to the requirement across the province. However, the province has since extended the measure to June 11.
At a separate news conference Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford said that the choice to wear a mask beyond March 21 will be a personal one.
“It's going to be up to the people of Ontario, if you want to keep the mask on, keep it on,” Ford said. “If you want to take it off, take it off. But we have to move forward from this, people are exhausted and the poor kids in those classrooms too. Like we got to move on.”
The Ministry of Health has also said organizations are welcome to keep mandatory masking policies in place if they so choose.
On March 14, mandatory vaccination policies for employees at schools, child-care settings, hospitals and long-term care homes will also come to an end.
With files from Phil Tsekouras.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Feds giving Toronto more than $104M to host 2026 FIFA World Cup
The federal government will provide Toronto just over $104 million in funding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
NEW Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Parents of infant who died in wrong-way crash on Ontario's Hwy. 401 were in same vehicle
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.
Tiger Woods gets special exemption to U.S. Open at Pinehurst
Tiger Woods accepted a special exemption for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time the three-time champion has needed an exemption to play.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'
'Bare-adise' adventure: This nude cruise is due to set sail from Miami in 2025
What do you need to pack for a cruise? When it comes to this upcoming cruise from tour and travel company Bare Necessities, the answer appears to be very little.
Drew Barrymore explains how she accidentally left a list of her romantic partners at Danny DeVito's house
Danny DeVito had the opportunity to know way more about Drew Barrymore than the rest of us.