PORT HOPE, ON (March 17, 2022) – The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU) would like to strongly encourage residents to remain cautious and to continue to practice preventative measures against the spread of COVID-19 as the provincial mask mandate lifts on March 21, 2022.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit reminds people that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and that the risk of infection remains. That means it’s important to get vaccinated and continue following basic prevention measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission, especially for those most vulnerable to the virus. This can include wearing a mask if individuals feel it is best for their own comfort level or personal situation and/or circumstances as well as settings at higher risk of virus spread such as crowded indoor locations.

“We know masks are an effective and easy way to slow the spread of COVID-19,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “Even after Ontario lifts its mask mandate, wearing a mask indoors is an important step that people can take to protect both themselves as well as community members vulnerable to severe illness from the virus. If someone decides to continue wearing a mask or a business still chooses to require mask use for customers, it is a decision that should be respected and supported.”

As of March 21, Ontario will no longer require masks inside most public settings, including businesses, restaurants and schools. Masks will still need to be worn on public transit and in hospitals, long-term care homes, jails and other congregate settings until at last April 27. Mask use is also required in certain travel settings and must be worn in the days immediately after someone ends isolating for COVID-19. For the full list of measures in effect, see O.Reg. 364/20.

At schools, students and staff will no longer need to wear masks as of March 21. However, the Health Unit is working with local school boards to help educate students, staff and parents about respecting choices to continue with mask use and the circumstances when mask use may still be required.

“Learning to live with COVID-19 means that everyone takes responsibility to assess their personal level of risk and follow precautions when out in public. We all have a collective responsibility to support those most vulnerable in our communities,” Dr. Bocking adds.

In addition to getting a first, second or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the Health Unit encourages anyone to stay home if sick, frequently wash hands with soap and water, and cover coughs and sneezes.

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For media inquiries, contact:

Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communications and IT Services, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca,

or

Bill Eekhof, Communications Officer, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1225, beekhof@hkpr.on.ca.

About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.