The province’s mask mandate will officially be lifted as of midnight, but just because the public health requirement is no longer there, doesn’t mean some businesses and organizations won’t still ask people to mask up.

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, has indicated that while masking is no longer required, it is still highly recommended, especially in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Some businesses have already announced that they will be maintaining their rules on masks after the provincial mandate is lifted. Premier Andrew Furey says that’s the prerogative of each business.

He compares it to the “no shoes, no shirt, no service” policy imposed by some businesses. He expects some businesses will have the same expectations for masks.

🧵 Masks…. On Friday, we announced that as of tonight at midnight, the SMO requiring masks in indoor public spaces will be amended so that masks will no longer be mandatory in most indoor public spaces such as restaurants, stores, gyms, personal services and performance venues.

— Dr. Janice Fitzgerald (@CMOH_NL) August 9, 2021

Brenda O’Reilly, the president of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, welcomes the removal of that restriction but believes some of their members will continue to at least suggest customers wear masks.

She says the mask mandate has been a difficult thing for staff to administer.

O’Reilly says some places may still require masks as not everyone has been fully vaccinated and they don’t know who has or hasn’t been. Health and safety is their number one priority.