Even though the public health restrictions are set to end on March 14th, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald believes masking will still be a part of many people’s lives.

Fitzgerald addressed those who may feel anxious about the lifting of public health measures next month.

She says people always have it within their own power to protect themselves – and they can still follow COVID safety measures if they so choose.

She encourages people to be kind to those who still choose to mask up after the restrictions end.

She encourages acceptance of those who chose to take their own safety measures, saying that people shouldn’t take exception to things that don’t effect them.

The same, she says, goes for businesses who will chose to keep masking rules in place.

Fitzgerald says some businesses may have good reasons for doing so, such as immunocompromised employees or older populations that they serve.

She says people should respect that, adding that it’s “not the end of the world, it’s just a piece of fabric on your face.”