Newmarket lifting masking requirements at town facilities

You can take your mask off at municipal facilities like the Magna Centre starting March 21

Newmarkettoday.ca
March 17, 2022
Joseph Quigley

You are no longer required to wear a face mask at Town of Newmarket facilities as of March 21.

The municipality announced March 16 that it would no longer require masks in accordance with the provincial decision to lift masking mandates. Masking is currently required at all of the town’s indoor facilities.

The town said it “recognizes the importance of personal choice” and encourages those who feel more comfortable with it to continue masking. 

“While these restrictions are being lifted, please remember that everyone is adjusting to living with COVID-19 at their own pace,” Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said in a news release. “Please be kind, patient and considerate to those who choose to continue to wear a mask and to those that choose not to.”

The province announced it would lift masking rules for most locations, except for public transit, long-term care, shelters and health-care settings.

The town said though masks are no longer required, it encourages residents to continue to conduct a self-health assessment for COVID-19 symptoms before entering a municipal building.

“Those who are experiencing symptoms are asked to stay home until their symptoms have subsided,” the town said.

York Region Public Health is still encouraging you to continue to wear masks next week, even though you will no longer be required to do so.

The town noted that federal regulations still require those returning from international travel to wear a mask in public settings for 14 days upon returning and maintain contact lists.

Taylor said the town is glad to see the improvement in public health indicators.

“I want to thank and recognize our community for your collective efforts in getting vaccinated and following public health measures which have significantly helped to stabilize the COVID-19 cases," he said.

You can still book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in Newmarket at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex through the provincial booking website. York Region clinics also accept walk-ins.