Canadian Blood Services ends mandatory masking, physical distancing

Masks and physical distancing are no longer mandatory at Canadian Blood Services buildings, vehicles and collections events. 

The agency announced the decision on social media on Monday and the move prompted some backlash.

In a statement to CityNews 570, Canadian Blood Services said it consulted with medical and epidemiology experts before making the change.

“Canadian Blood Services is a unique organization. Although we provide life-saving products to hospitals, we are not a hospital or healthcare setting,” the statement read. “As a community setting, we are able to shift from mandatory to optional measures. In recent months we have seen restrictions being eased in many other community venues. This can happen because the majority of Canadians are vaccinated against COVID-19, and illness now caused by COVID-19 is far less severe in most cases.”

The agency added it will continue to observe the data when it comes to making decisions in the future. 

“We will continue to closely monitor the epidemiology and scientific knowledge and will reintroduce mandatory masks and physical distancing if necessary.”

Although masks are no longer required, Canadian Blood Services will still make them available at its sites.

Effective July 25, we are suspending mandatory masks and physical distancing in our buildings, vehicles and collections events.

Although not required, masks help curb the spread of COVID-19 and are welcome in our environments and available to anyone who chooses to wear them. pic.twitter.com/OKCMTr8hgY

— Canadian Blood Services (@CanadasLifeline) July 25, 2022