By Cecilia Nasmith
Though the provincial mask mandate will be lifted as of March 21, the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit strongly encourages residents to remain cautious and continue to practice preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19.
The health unit reminds everyone that the pandemic is not over and that the risk of infection remains. That means it's still important to get vaccinated and continue to follow basic preventive measures, especially for those most vulnerable to severe outcomes.
Those measures include continuing to mask if it increases your own comfort level and if your personal situation or circumstances make it the wise choice – especially in settings at higher risk of virus spread, such as crowded indoor locations.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Bocking reiterated in the press release that masks are an easy and effective way to slow the spread of the virus.
“Even after Ontario lifts its mask mandate, wearing a mask indoors is an important step that people can take to protect both themselves as well as community members vulnerable to severe illness from the virus,” Dr. Bocking said.
“If someone decides to continue wearing a mask or a business still chooses to require mask use for customers, it is a decision that should be respected and supported.”
As of March 21, the province will no longer require masks inside most public settings, including businesses, restaurants and schools. And at least until April 27, they will still be required on public transit and in hospitals, long-term-care homes, and congregate settings such as jails.
Mask use is also required in certain travel settings, and is required in the days immediately after someone ends isolating for COVID-19.
At schools, students and staff are no longer required to wear masks. However, the health unit is working with local school boards to help educate students, staff and parents about respecting someone's choice to continue using a mask and the circumstances when mask use may still be required.
“Learning to live with COVID-19 means that everyone takes responsibility to assess their personal level of risk and follow precautions when out in public,” Dr. Bocking said.
“We also have a collective responsibility to support those most vulnerable in our communities.”
In addition to getting a first, second or booster vaccine, the health unit encourages everyone who does not feel well to stay home. It also urges frequent hand washing with soap and water, and the covering of coughs and sneezes.
