On Saturday, the province lifts the remaining mask orders for public transportation and healthcare facilities. “You could say I’m a little worried,” Delorm told CBC on Saturday as he waited for his bus on Rido Street. “I’m still protecting myself. I’m still wearing my mask and trying not to touch any surface.” Delorme is very careful because he has asthma, he said, “If I get COVID, I’re not going to experience it because it’s a disease that affects the lungs. I’m not taking any risks.” Ivy Chan also does not take risks. She continues to wear a face mask for “her own protection”. “And to protect the people I really love and care about,” he said. “The pandemic is not over. I just do not feel comfortable with the revelation.” Emma Deleon is wearing a mask waiting for a taxi in the ByWard market. She says that the piece of cloth prevented her from “getting sick” in the past. That is why he will continue to use it. Emma Deleon wears a mask waiting for a taxi on Rideau Street on June 11, 2022. (Rachelle Elsiufi / CBC) OC Transpo announced earlier this week that while mask use on public transport is strongly encouraged, it will no longer be required. Additional hygiene measures taken for the pandemic will remain. These include daily cleaning of all vehicles and stations, protective shields on the front of buses and contactless payment options. Transport users are required to wear a mask from June 15, 2020, after the city’s transportation committee approved the policy. Ottawa Public Health continues to recommend the use of a mask, despite the fact that the province is ending the mandate.
Fewer masks could increase infections, says the doctor
In closed areas without proper ventilation, such as public transport, airports and classrooms, Dr. Emilio Alarcon, an assistant professor of biochemistry, microbiology and immunology at the University of Ottawa, says using a mask could help prevent the disease from spreading. OC Transpo continues to recommend the use of masks on public transport, but says that as of Saturday, masks are no longer required on buses or on the LRT. (Trevor Pritchard / CBC) “So it all has to do with ventilation and air and how quickly the air has to be replaced, especially if these particles are floating.” He warns that without the rest of the mask commands, we could see a sharp increase in the number of infections. Recommends receiving the booster when available. “If you get the booster now, you will have a safer summer.”
Ottawa hospitals retain the mask requirement
While the county has also abandoned the requirement for masks at healthcare facilities, Ottawa hospitals are doing what many hospitals in Ontario do and meet the coverage requirements. The mandate of the provincial mask for long-term care and nursing homes remains. “We must not forget that this is still a pandemic,” said Alarcon. “This pandemic is not over. [We] they have a long way to go. If we do not work together this [pandemic will last] even more”.
