MLSE to follow province, lift mask mandate for patrons on March 21

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) said it’s following provincial health guidelines and will make masks mandatory for patrons and attendees as of March 21.

In a statement, MLSE said its decision aligns with Ontario’s chief medical officer of health and Toronto Public Health, who similarly announced the intention to lift masking mandates.

MLSE will make mask wearing for patrons “voluntary,” but “strongly recommend” that individuals consider keeping face coverings on during live events.

“As it has throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MLSE continues to consult with public health officials to follow all health and safety recommendations for its venues and the community at large and thanks officials, partners and fans for their cooperation through the reopening stages and working together to protect our community,” the statement reads.

MLSE Statement on Mask Mandate pic.twitter.com/ePAPqNdjsx

— MLSE PR (@MLSEPR) March 11, 2022

On February 18, MLSE said it would follow provincial guidelines and discontinue proof of vaccination.

A vaccine certificate system will remain in place if league rules require it for fans and personnel in close proximity to playing surfaces. The policy impacts fans attending Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC games at BMO Field and Toronto Marlies games at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

Vaccine mandates will remain in place for full and part-time employees of the company until further notice, MLSE said.

Experts, such as members of the province’s COVID-19 science advisory table and a coalition of children’s hospitals, have said March 21 is too soon to lift mask mandates.

Initially permitted capacity was going to rise to 50 per cent on February 21 and 100 per cent on March 14 but that was pushed forward to March 1.