FORT ERIE (March 18, 2022) The Province has announced that it is lifting the mask requirement in most settings as of March 21, 2022. To enhance the safety of our staff, the Town of Fort Erie is extending its current safe work standards and policies for Town staff and in most municipal facilities (such as Town administration offices and the Fort Erie Historical Museum), including wearing masks, until March 31, 2022. The Emergency Operation Committee (EOC) will be meeting again on March 24th to review information and data that becomes available to determine any next steps.

“The recent termination of the State of Emergency throughout Niagara, including Fort Erie, and the lifting of most COVID-19 mandates and restrictions are important steps forward in recognizing that the virus that has caused so much havoc and disruption over the past two years is something that society has to learn to live with. It is important that we all continue to work together as a community to keep everyone safe and secure as we move into this next phase of the pandemic. Our employees are our most important asset and it is extremely important that we take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety, as well as that of our residents,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop.

The Town’s Interim CAO, Jonathan Janzen, noted, “the EOC will continue to assess high risk areas to ensure adequate safety measures are in place. Fort Erie residents should note that some Provincial masking requirements remain in effect in April for high-risk settings, such as public transit, long term care facilities and health care facilities, and that private businesses may continue with their own policies for the time being.”

The lifting of the State of Emergency and COVID-19 mandates does not signal the end of the pandemic.  Accordingly, residents should continue to follow public health recommendations such as social distancing, good hand hygiene and getting vaccinated.

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