Niagara's top doctor says it's too soon to end mandatory masking in Ontario.
Niagara's Acting Medical Officer of Health says he disagrees with the province's decision to end mandatory masking.
In a statement to us, Dr. Mustafa Hirji says now is not the right time to make such a move.
"We disagree with the province’s decision to end mandatory masking and believe it should have aligned with when the infections from COVID-19 were much lower and the risk to the community was much less. We agree with the province that wearing masks is a recommended practice to protect oneself and those around one. We encourage everyone to wear masks past March 21, and support organizations who wish to continue with masking policies to protect their customers and staff."
Hirji notes Public Health is currently reviewing the announcement, and discussions are taking place surrounding how to act going forward.
He says a decision on a section 22 order, which gives medical officers of health the right to issue orders in respect to communicable diseases, would need to be made closer to March 21st, when masking requirements will be dropped.
Currently, an order is not being planned for Niagara, but Hirji says the situation is being assessed as the date approaches.
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