Ontario Chief Medical Officer Kieran Moore announced today that people should expect that a mask mandate could return, but not today.

After many mainstream news outlets and left-wing politicians called for mask mandates to return, Dr. Kieran Moore made his long-awaited announcement.

“While we will not be reinstating a broad mask mandate at this time, we should all be prepared that we may need to resume a requirement for mask-wearing in indoor public spaces if a new variant of concern emerges, [there’s] a threat to our healthcare system, or potentially during the winter months when COVID 19 and other respiratory viruses are likely to circulate again.”

Moore continued, saying that he came out to confirm that there’s a sixth wave, but it can be mitigated.

“The purpose of coming out today is just to reiterate ‘Yes’ we’re in the 6th wave, ‘Yes’ we will see a rise in admissions to the hospital and to the intensive care unit, but as always, we have tools that can mitigate that and prevent it for all Ontarians.”

Naturally, Moore said these tools are continued vaccinations and boosters, mask-wearing, daily screening, and alternative out-patient treatments such as anti-viral treatment “in the event that you get sick.”

Moore also noted that hospital admissions and capacity are not concerning, despite cases rising. For example, even in Kingston, where case counts are supposedly exploding, only five people are currently in hospitals due to COVID.

Moore further acknowledged that hospital admission rate is highly correlated with age.

While this announcement will send covidians into a state of fury, Moore’s casual remark that mask mandates could return may be concerning to those who want to be done with masks forever.