Face masks are soon optional in Cobourg municipal buildings

By Cecilia Nasmith

The Town of Cobourg has announced that, as of Monday, face masks will no longer be required in municipal buildings, as per the March 9 announcement by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.

Dr. Moore's March 9 announcement removed the province's mandatory masking requirement for most settings, with a few exceptions (including public transit, health-care settings, long-term-care homes and congregate-care facilities).

Though the mandate is lifted, the announcement noted, some people may choose to continue masking.

“It is important to be kind and respectful to those who continue to wear a mask, as everyone will have their own comfort levels and personal factors to take into consideration,” the press release said.

“Cobourg residents have demonstrated their kindness, compassion and strength as we've navigated this pandemic as a community,” Chief Administrative Officer Tracey Vaughan commented.

“We want to thank everyone for your diligence with public-health measures over these past two years. I know we will continue to look out for one another as we move forward, and respect one another's personal choices during the lifting of mandatory face masks.”

In Cobourg, affected municipal buildings include the Cobourg Community Centre (750 D'Arcy St.), Cobourg Public Library (200 Ontario St.), Victoria Hall (55 King St. W.) and the Venture 13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (739 D'Arcy St.).

Face masks will continue to be required for Cobourg Transit riders, as per the exceptions set out by the Ontario government.

Most of Ontario's public-health and workplace-safety measures that were put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have now been lifted, and key public-health indicators continue to improve or at least to remain stable. As the province looks to take a long-term approach to its pandemic response, there is a need to remain vigilant, stay home when sick, and get vaccinated and boosted.

For local health updates, visit the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit website at hkpr.on.ca

For provincial information, including public-health measures and guidance documents, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.