Several of the province’s top doctors say they plan to continue masking in indoor public settings, even after Ontario’s mask mandate ends on March 21.
The Star surveyed all 34 local medical officers of health, from Toronto to Timiskaming, on whether they would continue wearing a mask in these settings, and why, to help readers make their own decisions.
A few were refreshingly blunt, while some did not answer the question, even when pressed.
Masks will move from a COVID-19 mandate to a choice next Monday, except in a few places, such as public transit and long-term care, where they will continue to be required until April 27. Dr. Kieran Moore, the province’s chief medical officer of health, said at a news conference last week that with public health indicators such as hospitalizations and ICU admissions stable or declining, it’s time to scrap this restriction.
But cases are rising in several European countries that have removed public health measures, and without comprehensive polymerase chain reaction testing — PCR tests are only available for high-risk people and settings — it’s tough to know where the province stands on early warning signs. Case positivity was up slightly in Ontario on Tuesday, at 13 per cent, the highest it has been in about a month. The province-wide COVID wastewater signal is also trending upwards slightly.
Leading up to Ontario’s massive masking change, many medical officers of health crafted careful responses to the Star’s question, saying it’s hard to give one-size-fits-all advice. Other leaders have also been asked about this: Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday, he would wear a mask in the legislature “for the first few days” after they are no longer required.
Several medical officers of health gave answers that were similar to what Moore told reporters. He said he’ll do his own risk assessment, donning a mask at a busy box store, for example. But he did not say he would always wear one in indoor public settings.
Nine said unequivocally that they would continue to wear masks in indoor public spaces. Fourteen had more nuanced explanations, saying it depends on the situation, and they will evaluate the risk, and/or recommending that others mask but not clearly stating what they would do personally.
Five said they could not respond by deadline, and six did not get back at all by press time.
Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health in Peterborough, is one who will keep his mask on beyond March 21 in indoor public settings.
A mask is not a “nuisance or bother” for him after working in clinics, where they are required for hours on end, he added.
“Others may feel differently, but should be aware that their decision to wear a mask protects people who are vulnerable around them, not just themselves,” he said in an email to the Star.
“After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, masking with a tight fitting mask (e.g. N95, KN95 or similar) is one of the best prevention tools we have to protect against respiratory infections like COVID-19.”
Mandatory masking is now the last COVID-19 public health restriction in place in Ontario.
The science on masks has evolved since the start of the pandemic, but, as the virus can travel through the air, they are now widely seen by experts as an affordable and effective tool to fight COVID, along with other measures like vaccination.
Several studies from around the world have concluded that they can make a big difference in cutting down the odds of contracting the disease, and dying from it.
Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, did not go so far as to say she would always don a mask inside public spaces.
In an email, she said she has people in her life who are older and have their own health concerns, and thus at a higher risk of severe disease if they get COVID. Therefore, she will be wearing a “well-fitted, high-quality mask when warranted, so that I do not inadvertently become infected and pass a virus on to them.” Asked what “when warranted” means, the media team declined to comment further.
Halton’s top doctor Dr. Hamidah Meghani used similar language, saying she “will wear masks when warranted.” A spokesperson confirmed when asked, that means “indoor settings where physical distancing may be a challenge.” Others mentioned wearing them in crowded or confined spaces, or if someone in their circle is vulnerable.
Niagara Region Public Health’s Dr. Mustafa Hirji will continue to wear a mask “when appropriate” but the health unit strongly recommends “everyone who can to continue wearing masks for the next few weeks while COVID-19 infections remain high.”
Dr. Lawrence Loh, Peel’s medical officer of health, said it’s impossible to provide blanket recommendations.
“I will take into consideration my own personal circumstance and the setting in which I’m in to make the decision that I feel is appropriate for myself and in the best interest of those around me at that time,” he said in an email.
Factors to consider include personal health and vaccination status, whether a mask can be worn consistently, how long an interaction will be, ventilation in a space, the level of COVID-19 in the community, and whether a lot of unvaccinated or vulnerable people might be present.
Several of the medical officers of health echoed Moore in pleading for respect, kindness and understanding for those who do continue to wear masks past March 21.
Controversial acting medical officer of health for Haldimand-Norfolk, Dr. Matt Strauss, who has been critical of lockdowns, said it was “far too complicated of an issue to be reduced to a Yes/No poll of MOHs,” and instead offered to write an opinion piece.
When pressed for an answer, Strauss questioned the effectiveness of community masking, but stopped short of saying he would personally no longer mask indoors.
In addition to Peterborough, the heads of public health in the following areas all said they’d continue wearing a mask in indoor public settings: Ottawa; Sudbury and Districts; Renfrew County and District; Waterloo; North Bay Parry Sound; Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge; and Hamilton.
Middlesex-London Health Unit’s medical officer of health, Dr. Alex Summers, also “plans to continue wearing a mask when he is in indoor public spaces for the time being,” said a spokesperson.
“In addition to being up to date with one’s COVID-19 vaccinations, wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19,” he said.
Peterborough’s Piggott added in a short video on Twitter that he has bungee jumped, pet a cheetah and climbed on the highest active volcano in the world. “Trust me, when I wear my mask I’m not wearing my mask because I’m scared,” he said, “I’m wearing my mask because I care.”
May Warren is a Toronto-based breaking news reporter for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @maywarren11
Ben Cohen is a Toronto-based staff reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @bcohenn
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