The chief medical officer in Ontario said he is not concerned about the rise in COVID-19 cases after all remaining mask mandates are lifted tomorrow.

On Wednesday, the provincial government announced that mask mandates will be lifted in most high-risk settings starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday.

Masks will not be required on public transit, hospitals, and shelters. However, they will remain in effect for retirement homes and long-term care.

The province first implemented mandatory mask mandates to reduce virus spread in October 2020.

Dr. Kieran Moore, the Chief Medical Officer of Health, said he is not worried about increased COVID-19 cases after lifting mandates due to high vaccination rates and declining virus spread in the province.

He added, "No, I’m not concerned, primarily because Ontario residents continue to wear masks despite the mandate being lifted. We are cautious and careful. We look out for each other. I still see people wearing masks even outdoors on Toronto streets."

Despite the province’s decision to lift the mask order, Ontario’s Chief Science Officer said mask mandates should have been maintained in high-risk settings "for a few more weeks at least."

Additionally, many Toronto hospitals will continue mask requirements for now.

Kevin Smith, CEO of University Health Network, said, "I think Dr. Moore, looking at all the evidence and where we are with COVID, fortunately feels we are now at a stage where we can drop this mandate, which is great news, and progress, but we are not out of the disease yet, especially for vulnerable populations."

Officials from Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, Humber River Hospital, North York General Hospital, Sunnybrook Hospital, Women’s College Hospital, and Mackenzie Health hospitals have stated that mask requirements will remain in place.

Moore says he agrees with hospitals’ position on retaining mask mandates as it aligns with provincial guidelines.

He added that the province is simply moving from a temporary mandatory mask order to a level of personal care and caution.

"So I’m not surprised that all these sites, partners, and hospitals will continue to apply best practices and all the lessons we’ve learned over the past two and a half years. So I have full confidence in patients, healthcare workers, and their families, and standards will be maintained without the need for a mandatory order involving fines and risk of imprisonment, which we never had to use."

Moore acknowledged that Ontario residents may feel uncomfortable with lifting the mask mandate, but said the province is in a good position now with most COVID-19 metrics improving, such as hospital admissions, positive tests, and wastewater signal data.

"Our response in Ontario has been outstanding. I must thank all Ontarians for this attitude because Ontario residents accepted treatment, accepted vaccination, and accepted wearing masks when necessary. I believe it is timely in summer where we can remove mandatory masks and Ontario residents will remain cautious as we approach fall.

On Thursday, the province reported 549 hospitalized patients, down 121 from last week. The province also recorded the lowest number of patients on ventilators since October 2020.

Editor: Dima Abu Khair