COVID-19: Hamilton ‘reviewing’ implications of province’s decision to lift mask mandate

COVID-19 public health measures across Ontario in the weeks ahead, including the nixing of an indoor face coverings mandate.Fred Eisenberger told Global News city staff are reviewing Wednesday’s announcement from the province’s chief medical officer of health — setting a March 21 date for removing mandatory masking requirements.“I fully trust that our provincial and local medical officers of health’s advice regarding masking is data-driven and will account for varying situations and local conditions,” Eisenberger said.

Ontario lifts mask mandate in most settings March 21, all directives to drop by April 27 “After two years, we have developed good tools and habits to protect ourselves, and so I am cautiously optimistic about the province’s planned easing of public health measures across Ontario in the weeks ahead.”The city currently has it’s own mask rules for enclosed public spaces under a bylaw implemented in the summer of 2020 which gave officers powers to fine individuals not dawning a face covering in public spaces.During a COVID briefing in late February, Eisenberger hinted the bylaws requiring face coverings indoors would likely remain for some time despite the province reviewing mandates.Hamilton’s medical officer of health does have the ability to impose additional restrictions above what is set by the province, however Premier Doug Ford told reporters during a stop in Brantford on Wednesday that would have to go before Ontario’s chief medical officer first.Masks will no longer be required in most social settings such as restaurants, gyms, large event spaces and even schools, according to public health Ontario’s guidelines.However, the mask mandate will remain in place for higher-risk settings such as transit,.