As the Government of Ontario gradually reopens the province, it’s urging those taking public transit, returning to work or going out shopping to continue to adhere to public health advice as the best line of defence against COVID-19. To help the public, the Ministry of Health has released specific recommendations on how to choose, wear and care for appropriate face coverings in public where physical distancing is not possible and extra safety measures for transit agencies.

Premier Doug Ford, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney released the details at a media event today, Wednesday, May 20

“Now that we are in Stage 1 of our Framework for Reopening the Province, more people will be returning to workplaces, going to stores and parks, and using public transit,” said Premier Ford. “I strongly urge everyone to continue following the public health advice, such as physical distancing and restricting gatherings to five people or less. Although we are making progress, COVID-19 is still a risk that we must guard against. Please stay safe and protect yourself and others.”

Since the beginning of the outbreak, Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, has advised people to wash their hands often, stay at home if feeling ill, and practise physical distancing by staying at least two metres apart from anyone outside their household. Now that the province is reopening, Dr. Williams and other health experts are recommending that individuals wear a face covering where physical distancing is not possible, such as on public transit or in a small grocery store or pharmacy.

To help transit agencies in protecting staff and riders in this new environment, the Ministry of Health is also recommending that the agencies:

• Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres by admitting fewer passengers and using physical markers between seats;
• Encourage passengers to use face coverings, particularly when physical distancing is not feasible;
• Make sure that alcohol-based hand rub is available for passengers to use when entering and exiting transit vehicle;
• Implement engineering controls like plexiglass windows between drivers and passengers; and
• Enhancing cleaning, particularly of high-touch surfaces.

“Ontario’s public transit systems are critical to supporting the economy and getting people where they need to go as the province begins to reopen,” said Minister Mulroney. “The health and well-being of all transit workers and passengers is a top priority for our government and we will be working with transit agencies to ensure that public transit can continue to operate safely.”