TORONTO — Ontario is rolling out new COVID-19 restrictions in the wake of record-breaking Omicron cases. The new measures will come into effect on Wednesday and will be in place for three weeks before they’re re-assessed.
Key COVID-19 measures include:
- Indoor dining at bars, restaurants and cafes prohibited
- Social indoor gatherings limited to five people and outdoor gatherings limited to 10 people
- Organized public events limited to five people
- Retail settings and personal-care services limited to 50-per-cent capacity
- Indoor events (weddings, funerals, religious services) limited to 50-per-cent capacity
“As we continue with our provincial vaccine booster efforts, we must look at every option to slow the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant,” said Premier Doug Ford in a press release. “Putting these targeted and time-limited measures in place will give us more opportunity to deliver vaccines to all Ontarians and ensure everyone has maximum protection against this virus.”
“As cases continue to rise at a rapid rate and evidence on the Omicron variant evolves, additional time-limited measures are needed to help limit transmission as team Ontario continues to get booster doses into arms,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health in a press release. “While this was not an easy decision, these measures will help preserve hospital bed capacity and prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.”
A full list of COVID-19 measures can be found here.
