COVID-19: Here’s how Toronto’s mask rules are changing as more Ontario requirements lift

Toronto is making some changes to its COVID-19 masking requirements after the provincial government announced it would be lifting most remaining mask mandates on Saturday.The province’s chief medical officer of health issued a statement Wednesday saying most of Ontario’s existing masking mandates will be lifted, but masks will still be required in long-term care and retirement homes.

Most remaining Ontario COVID mask mandates lifting on Saturday In a press release, the City of Toronto said, based on public health advice, masks will “continued to be required in some City of Toronto congregate settings to protect the health and safety of residents and staff.”According to the city, masks will continue to be required in long-term care homes and retirement homes, and will be recommended in congregate living settings like shelters or group homes.The city said on June 11, the provincial government will issue guidance on when masks should be worn in hospitals and other care settings.Here’s a closer look at some other changes in the city:According to the release, masking, screening and testing requirements will continue in “all city directly-operated long-term care homes at this time.”The city said the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is “strongly recommending” customers continue to wear masks on its vehicles and in stations.What’s more, the city said masks will remain mandatory for both employees and customers using TTC’s Wheel-Trans service.The city said once the mask mandate expires later this week, masks will be “optional” on Go Transit and UP Express.