The city has continued stripping away COVID-related health measures, with the mask mandate lifting alongside the province mandate ending on March 21.
“We are gradually returning to as close to pre-pandemic life as we have been in two years. While these continued changes are a sign of better days ahead, it doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind,” Deputy Mayor Al Sizer said in a media release issued by the city.
“COVID-19 has not disappeared. As we learn to manage and live with this virus, let’s continue to make simple, smart decisions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe – like getting vaccinated and boosted, and staying home when we’re sick. Just as importantly, please be kind and respect the choices of others who may be approaching this new normal at a different pace.”
The City of Greater Sudbury’s state of emergency ended at the end of the day on Monday. It was issued on April 6 following the declaration of a provincial state of emergency. It allowed the city and the Community Control Group community partners to manage and co-ordinate the pandemic response and make timely decisions related to municipal services, health care, enforcement, facility use and the procurement of goods and materials deemed necessary to support public safety.
In a media release issued by the city, it’s noted that the local state of emergency is no longer required, “as the pandemic response continues toward recovery efforts and COVID-19 activities become a part of routine operations.”
Reopening of Tom Davies Square
Tom Davies Square is once again open for walk-in service, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and appointments can still be booked in advance by phoning 311.
In-person attendance at city council and most committee meetings will resume for both elected officials and the general public on March 22, though the livestreamed option will remain in place.
In-person attendance at Planning Committee meetings is expected to resume in May.
Mask Requirements
Effective March 21, masks will no longer be required in most city facilities, including leisure facilities, libraries and Tom Davies Square.
Masks will still be required while using GOVA Transit (including while inside the Downtown Transit Hub) and for visitors and staff at Pioneer Manor. Under provincial regulation, masks will also still be required in the following settings:
- Health care settings, such as hospitals
- High-risk congregate care settings, such as shelters, group homes and correctional facilities
- Places where masks are federally required, such as during air travel
These details are based on the latest information from the Province, and are subject to change once detailed regulations are released. The city will provide additional updates later this week, if required.
While masks will be optional in most settings, the city encourages people to assess their situation to determine what is best for them. With the Omicron variant still circulating widely, Public Health Sudbury and Districts medical officer of health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe continues to strongly recommend the use of masks, especially in crowded indoor settings and for those at higher risk for infection.
Other COVID-related reminders from the city
The province is in the process of completing its three-step plan to ease public health restrictions, after which they’ll move toward its new plan, Living With and Managing COVID-19.
While proof of vaccination requirements were lifted by the province earlier this month, businesses and organizations may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination.
Important measures to prevent the spread of illness remain in place, including frequent hand washing, wearing a mask or face covering, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve and stay home if you feel sick.
Meanwhile, people are still being encouraged to protect themselves against COVID-19 by completing their vaccination series as soon as possible.
The most up-to-date local information on COVID-19 is posted on the Public Health Sudbury and Districts website at phsd.ca/coronavirus.
