Local officials calling for respect toward those still wearing a mask after mandate lifts

With Ontario soon lifting its mask mandate on March 21, a pair of local officials are calling on the public to show respect to those who continue to wear a face covering after they are no longer required.

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paula Stewart says wearing a mask after the mandate lifts is a choice some will make to be more comfortable, and residents need to be “gentle” to those wearing the coverings.

She feels some people might be more anxious as pandemic-related restrictions continue to ease.

“I think for people who are anxious, to just be OK with that and think about 'What are the things that are really important for me to do and what are the protective measures I can put in place so I can feel OK in doing them?' So, you may be changing when you do grocery shopping, so you go at a time when no one else is there,” Stewart told CityNews Ottawa on Wednesday, March 9.

Ottawa Board of Health chair Keith Egli agrees that respect must be shown to those still wearing masks, since there are several reasons why someone would continue to do so.

“It could be an underlying health condition, it could be a concern for another family because of their age, either they're very young or they're quite elderly, and trying to minimize their contacts,” Egli explained.

He adds while indicators such as viral loads in waste water and hospitalizations are moving in the right direction, COVID-19 is by no means gone and can still get people sick. Egli reiterates getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect against serious COVID illness, and a number of clinics are still offering first, second, and booster shots.

Stewart also says wearing a well-fitted mask can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, and feels mask use helped lead to the current stage of the pandemic.