Health unit urges caution as mandates removed

The Windsor-essex County Health Unit is urging people to keep up their guard in the wake of Wednesday's provincial announcement of most COVID-19 mandates being dropped by next month.

“The Windsor-essex County Health Unit acknowledges today's announcement by the provincial government and recognizes the effect of the pandemic on the community,” the health unit said in a statement.

“The pandemic is not over and each individual will need to consider their individual level of risk in their daily decisions around protecting themselves and their families from COVID-19.”

Ontario will remove mandatory masking rules in schools and most public settings as of March 21, the day students return from March break. Masks will continue to be required on public transit and in long-term care homes, shelters, jails and other congregate care facilities.

“It continues to be recommended that those who feel sick stay home, and for those at an increased risk to avoid high-risk situations like poorly ventilated areas or crowded indoor spaces,” the health unit's statement said.

“All residents are encouraged to continue visiting the health unit's website regularly to determine the current level of community risk and make their decisions accordingly.

“Regardless of individual decisions around risk, it is important that as members of this community we treat each other with respect and kindness as we move through this stage of the pandemic together.”

Ontario chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore said individuals should make their own assessment on wearing masks after the mandate ends, and those with special vulnerabilities to COVID-19 should consider keeping them on in public.

“Similarly, businesses and organizations in Windsor-essex should assess the level of risk among staff, clients, patrons or patients and continue with existing public health measures based on their assessment of risk,” the health unit's statement said.

“Vaccination is the one of the cornerstones of preventing infectious disease and staying up to date by receiving a booster dose whenever eligible is the best way to protect against COVID -19 and its variants. In this context, the health unit continues to encourage local organizations create or maintain vaccination policies.”

All remaining public health orders and directives, including any masking requirements, are set to end April 27.