The Northwestern Health Unit is reminding area residents and visitors that wearing a mask or face covering is still a requirement in indoor public spaces in Ontario.
“We have received a number of complaints from businesses about people from out of the province who are coming into our local business and not wearing masks,” explains Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon.
Dr. Young Hoon continues: “At this time, most individuals in the province, whether they are vaccinated or not, must wear a mask when in an enclosed public space. The masking requirement applies to out of province visitors in addition to residents of Ontario.”
The region’s top doctor adds she doesn’t believe people are refusing to wear a mask, just that visitors may not know Ontario’s COVID-19 public health measures.
“At this point we think it’s likely there are individuals from other provinces where that restriction no longer applies and so they may believe masking doesn’t apply in Ontario. Individuals who are visiting (Ontario) need to remember that masking is required.”
The Northwestern Health Unit will be reaching out to businesses to provide support and ways to address this.
