Mask mandates ending in many indoor settings March 21: Here’s what Windsor-Essex residents need to know

Windsor-Essex residents and students won’t have to wear a mask at many indoor settings, including schools, when the province removes mask mandates after March Break.

Ontario’s chief medical officer Dr. Kieran Moore announced Wednesday that the province will end mandatory masking in most indoor settings, except hospitals, public transit, congregate care settings and the long-term care system by March 21.

Here's the framework of guidelines for “Living With and Managing COVID 19.”

The document shows after March 21, face coverings will no longer be required in schools, restaurants and bars, gyms, movie theatres and other indoor settings across the province.

Directives from the Ontario medical officer of health regarding the removal of mask requirements and the Reopening Ontario Act. (Source: Ontario government)

Moore said the Omicron wave has passed and hospital capacity due to COVID-19 is improving, but the pandemic isn't over.

“Removing the mask mandate does not mean the risk is gone,” said Moore.

The acting medical officer of health for Windsor-Essex expressed concern on Monday regarding the province's plan to drop its mask requirements.

“Our experience with the pandemic has been unpredictable," said acting MOH Dr. Shanker Nesathurai with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

The health unit issued a statement Wednesday addressing the acknowledging the announcement and recognizing the impact the of the pandemic on the community.

“The pandemic is not over and each individual will need to consider their individual level of risk in their daily decisions around protecting themselves and their families from COVID-19,” the statement said.

WECHU said residents are encouraged to visit the health unit’s website regularly to determine the level of community risk and make their decisions accordingly.

“Similarly, businesses and organizations in Windsor-Essex should assess the level of risk among staff, clients, patrons, or patients and continue with existing public health measures based on their assessment of risk,” the statement said.

The WECHU continues to recommend those who feel sick stay home and for those at an increased risk to avoid high-risk situations such as crowded indoor spaces or poorly ventilated areas.

“Regardless of individual decisions around risk, it is important that as members of this community we treat each other with respect and kindness as we move through this stage of the pandemic together,” the statement said.

Moore encouraged people to be supportive of personal choice.

"As a society, we must remain kind, considerate and respectful toward those who continue wearing a mask," said Moore. "We must also expect indicators, such as cases and hospitalizations, to increase slightly as Ontarians increasingly interact with one another. However, thanks to our high vaccination rates and natural immunity, as well as the arrival of antivirals, Ontario has the tools necessary to manage the impact of the virus."

The province also announced that the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA), which allows the government to issue public health directives at the provincial level, will expire on March 28. A final extension of all the emergency orders in place under the ROA will be in effect for 30 days after that date.

With files from Toronto.CTVNews.ca.