Toronto/CMEDIA: Ontario is lifting its mask mandate for most indoor settings, in spite of the warning by experts that an increase in infections and hospitalizations in the coming weeks may result.
The people also have the freedom, starting Monday, whether or not to wear a mask to protect themselves and others against COVID-19 in Ontario.
According to health experts and officials, individuals should weigh their own risks when deciding whether to wear a mask to curb their own chances of infection and the spread of the virus.
Ontario’s overall case counts no longer paint a clear picture of where the province stands when it comes to infection rates because of restricted access to PCR testing.
According to the new modeling released Thursday by Ontario’s science advisory table due to a slight uptick in wastewater data, a rise in hospitalizations, and ICU occupancy could be seen. On Tuesday, Ontario reported 688 people hospitalized with the virus and 220 patients in intensive care.
With BA.2 expected to become the dominant strain in Ontario this month, the advisory table has cautioned the government to be prepared to reintroduce mask mandates, reintroduce vaccine certificates, and require a third dose if necessary, as well continue to improve ventilation and air filtration in public spaces.
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