Burlington lifts mask mandate and physical distancing bylaw

Burlington city council has voted to lift two COVID-19 bylaws that have been in effect since March 2020.

As of March 21, the city removed its mask and physical distancing bylaws effective immediately.

“For masking, it was not unanimous and it’s not unanimous in the community. I really understand folks who feel that it’s too soon to lift masks,” Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said.

The decision is in line with the Ontario government’s latest easing of pandemic restrictions.

This means masks and physical distancing are no longer required in most settings.

However, Ontarians still have to wear masks in certain high-risk settings like public transit, long-term care, retirement homes, other congregate settings and health-care settings.

Passive screening for the public visiting city facilities will continue to be in place. Members of the public who wish to continue to wear their mask in city facilities are welcome to do so.

“The most important thing we can do is be respectful to people around us for their choice on masking. If you see somebody with one, respect that,” Meed Ward said.

Council also terminated the city’s state of emergency effective immediately.

The city said it is continuing to follow the direction and guidance of the province and the regional medical officer of health in making its decisions.