The province is expected to lift proof of vax requirements today
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has teased the possibility of lifting mask mandates in the province by the third week of March, but he refrained from setting a specific date
"What I'm hearing: over the next few weeks, maybe after March break when the kids get back, but we'll see. I don't want to set a date," he said as quoted by Global News.
According to Ford, the province is "far away" from lifting the mask mandate, but he is still following advice from experts.
"Right from the get-go, I'm listening to the chief medical officer," the premier said as quoted by Global News."It's his advice when they're going to come off and we'll wait for his advice and recommendations and once he gives the recommendations, we'll be able to move forward," he added.
If the province moves to lift mask requirements, it joins the province of Saskatchewan, which dropped its mask mandate by the end of February.
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Ontario is expected to lift today proof of vaccination requirements across the province as part of its reopening plan after the onslaught of COVID-19.
Starting March 1, proof of vaccination requirements will no longer be necessary for all settings, while capacity limits in indoor public settings are also removed.
"Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination," read the release.
The announcement, dated February 14, said masking requirements will "remain in place at this time" and a specific timeline for its removal will be "communicated at a later date."
"We are now in a position to lift more public health measures, but it is important to stay vigilant, as we don’t want to cause any further disruption to people’s everyday lives. We must continue to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities by following the measures in place and by vaccinating those who have not yet received their doses," said Dr. Kieran Moore, chief medical officer of health, in a statement.