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While face coverings are no longer required in most public indoor spaces in Ontario, there are specific situations and settings where they are recommended–and at times required, at the local level.
Face coverings are still mandated in long-term care and retirement homes by the Ontario Government. They are also recommended in acute care and congregate care settings. Businesses–including health care settings–are strongly encouraged to consider implementing or maintaining masking policies for indoor public settings.
Locally, Southwestern Public Health continues to provide passive screening with posted signage. The health unit also requires face coverings for staff and visitors in the following situations:
- in clinical settings such as dental, sexual health, mass immunization, and other clinics that are held on-site and within the community
- home visits with families of young children
- school-based vaccination clinics
For individuals, the health unit recommends continued use of face coverings in specific situations.
“Generally, everyone should make decisions about masking based on risk to themselves and those around them,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “Consider whether there is COVID-19 or other infectious diseases in the community, if you will be in a crowded setting, or if you will be around people who are at a higher risk of complications from an illness. These are situations to consider masking-up to help keep each other healthy.”
Review Southwestern Public Health’s public health principles for protecting our most vulnerable citizens for further advice. One version is geared to workplaces and community settings, and the other is intended for individuals.
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