Like many hospitals in southwestern Ontario, Bluewater Health is going to keep its mask mandate in place for the foreseeable future.
Earlier this week, the provincial government announced that most remaining masking requirements would be lifted as of Saturday.
However, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore specified that individual organizations can still implement their own masking policies.
Hospital networks in London, Chatham-Kent, and Windsor have opted to keep the rule in place. Bluewater Health announced Friday afternoon that it would follow suit.
Meanwhile, the City of Sarnia will align its rules with the province when it comes to settings such as public transit. As of Saturday, face coverings will not be required on city buses.
Other areas, such as Windsor, have opted to keep the mask mandate in place on public transit.