City of North Bay provides timeline to lift mask mandates

After a review of its policies, as of March 21, face coverings will no longer be required in City of North Bay facilities for members of the public as the province lifts mask mandates in most settings in Ontario.

See related: Most mask mandates end March 21, other COVID-19 changes coming

Communications Officer Gord Young advises, in accordance with the province’s directives, face coverings will still be required for public transit until at least April 27. City officials indicated two weeks ago the lifting of mandates would follow the provincial lead.

The municipal employee COVID-19 vaccination policy remains in place, the City of North Bay confirms. To date, 12 employees had been fired in relation to the policy. City employees will continue to be required to wear face coverings inside municipal facilities and vehicles until April 4, after which face coverings will continue to be encouraged for anyone who wishes to wear them, according to Young.

See also: Health units recommend masking beyond lifting of mandates — if necessary

Under the direction of the provincial Ministry of Health, the Ontario government lifted capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings and ended proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all settings, March 1. 

See also: Vaccine policies 'no longer necessary,' Ontario top doc wants to remove them March 1

When it comes to the City of North Bay's holdings, proof of vaccination is no longer required for members of the public when entering municipal arenas — a requirement that followed provincial restrictions. Proof of vaccination has never been required for other publicly accessible areas of municipal buildings such as the Customer Service Centre at City Hall or the Transit Station on Oak Street.

See also: Mask mandates will lift in schools, public spaces at the same time: Moore 

And: World is 'done' with COVID and it's time to move on from restrictions: Ford

And, municipal meetings will continue to be held in a virtual setting as "the City’s Procedural By-Law allows for Members of Council and Members of Local Boards or Committees to participate electronically in meetings until April 30," per Young. "Electronic meetings will continue to be necessary at this time, as it is our understanding that the requirement for social distancing in workplaces remains in place."