UPDATE: March 11, 2022 Orillia to remove masking mandate at City facilities effective March 21

Masks continue to be required on Orillia Transit

In line with the Province’s recent announcement to remove the mandatory masking requirement for most indoor settings later this month, the City of Orillia will no longer require masks to be worn at City facilities effective March 21, 2022.

“The City of Orillia continues to adapt operations as the Province moves ahead with its phased reopening plan. This next milestone of removing the mask mandate is a big step and has been met with mixed reaction. For some, this is much anticipated, while for others the end of mandatory masking is very concerning. As these measures ease, we must all respect each other’s comfort levels, personal choices and boundaries and be kind to one another,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.

As per provincial direction, masks will continue to be required on public transit, in health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings until April 27, 2022. Public health encourages residents to assess their own level of risk when out in public and take appropriate precautions. Those who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and other infections are encouraged to continue to wear a mask.

Updated COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines

As announced on March 9, 2022, the Province has updated COVID-19 isolation guidelines to minimize the impact to workers and families, while ensuring that the highest risk settings continue to be protected. Please visit ontario.ca/COVID-19 for the latest information regarding isolation requirements for COVID-19 and for more information on the Province’s plan to gradually lift public health measures. 

“As we move into this next milestone for reopening, I would like to thank our community for their efforts in keeping Orillia safe during this very long, challenging pandemic. We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but the pandemic is not over and we must continue to remain cautious and responsible. The ‘immunity wall’ that has allowed for loosening of measures is absolutely critical. This means vaccination and booster doses remain vital to reducing the spread of COVID-19. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated or your booster, please do so as soon as possible and please continue to self-screen for symptoms, practice good hand hygiene and stay home when you are ill,” said Mayor Clarke. 

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit continues to stress the importance of vaccination and personal protective health behaviours, including maintaining physical distance and mask use, to protect and reduce transmission of COVID-19. For COVID-19 updates, assessment centre information, and the latest vaccination information from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/COVID19.

For more information regarding the status of City facilities and services, please visit orillia.ca/COVID-19.

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Mayor Steve Clarke
705-326-1177
mayor@orillia.ca

Melissa Gowanlock
Manager of Communications
705-330-1951 (Cell)
magowanlock@orillia.ca