Premier Doug Ford says he doesn’t see Ontario’s mask mandates ending anytime soon.

During an interview with a Belleville radio station, Ford said he can’t stand the shutdowns and wants to get back to normal, but says it must be done properly and cautiously.

When asked about the mask mandates being lifted, Ford said he couldn’t say that it will be soon.

Ford said while the mandate won’t be in place forever, masks really protect people.

Several restrictions are set to be lifted on Sunday including the reopening of restaurants, gyms and movie theaters with capacity limits. Indoor social gathering limits will be increased from five to ten.

The province plans to lift nearly all restrictions by mid-March.