Dan Delorme will wear his mask on public transport in the foreseeable future, even though he no longer has to wear one.
On Saturday, the province lifted the mandates for the remaining masks for public transportation and in health care settings.
“You could say I’m a little uncomfortable,” Delorme told CBC Saturday as he waited for his bus on Rideau Street. “I’m still protecting myself. I’m still wearing my mask and trying not to touch any surface.”
Delorme is very cautious because he suffers from asthma, he said: “If I have COVID, I will not pass it because it is a disease that affects the lungs. I am not risking it at all.”
Ivy Chan doesn’t take any chances either. He continues to wear a face mask for his “own protection.”
“And for the protection of the people I love and who really care about me,” he said. “The pandemic is not over. I just don’t feel comfortable with unmasking.”
Emma Deleon is wearing a mask while waiting for a taxi at ByWard Market. He says the piece of cloth has prevented him from “getting sick” in the past. That is why he will continue to use it.
Emma Deleon is wearing a mask while waiting for a taxi on Rideau Street on June 11, 2022. (Rachelle Elsiufi / CBC)
OC Transpo announced earlier this week that while it is recommended to wear a mask on public transportation, it will no longer be necessary.
The additional sanitation measures introduced by the pandemic will be maintained. These include daily cleaning of all vehicles and stations, protective shields on the front of buses and contactless payment options.
Public transportation users must wear a mask from June 15, 2020 after the city’s traffic commission approved the policy.
Ottawa Public Health still recommends wearing a mask, even though the province ends its term.
Fewer masks could increase infections, says the doctor
In enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation, such as public transportation, airports and classrooms, Dr. Emilio Alarcon, an assistant professor of biochemistry, microbiology and immunology at the University of Ottawa, says the use of a mask could help prevent spread of the disease.
OC Transpo still recommends wearing a mask on public transportation, but says masks are no longer required on buses or the LRT as of Saturday. (Trevor Pritchard / CBC)
“So it’s all about ventilation and air and how quickly air needs to be replaced, especially if you have these particles floating around.”
He warns that without the remaining mask warrants, we could see an increase in the number of infections. It is recommended to make the booster vaccine, when available.
“If you get the boost now, you’ll have a safer summer.”
Ottawa hospitals maintain the mask requirement
While the province has also eliminated the requirement for masks in healthcare settings, Ottawa hospitals are doing what many Ontario hospitals are doing and maintaining masking requirements.
The provincial mandate for masks for long-term homes and nursing homes is maintained.
“We must not forget that this is still a pandemic,” Alarcon said. “This pandemic is not gone. [We] they have a long way to go. If we don’t work this together [pandemic will last] even longer “.