The rapid spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant is prompting more provinces to reinstate and tighten public health restrictions, with new regulations taking effect this week.
Quebec reported a record number of cases for the third day in a row, with the Omicron variant accounting for nearly 80 percent of 5,043 new infections.
Public Security Minister Genevieve Guilbault says she has asked Ottawa for military help to speed up the province’s mass vaccination campaign.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair says the growing number of cases in Quebec and across Canada is deeply concerning and that the federal government will work with the province.
Ontario is investigating complaints from companies or individuals reselling rapid COVID-19 antigen tests, and anyone caught doing so faces heavy fines, and several hospitals have introduced stricter visitor policies.
Just before midnight tonight, bars, nightclubs, gyms, fitness centers, and dance studios in BC must close.
As of Friday, Alberta is limiting venues with capacity for more than 1,000 people, including stadiums, to half capacity.
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Prince Edward Island has joined Newfoundland and Labrador in requiring visitors to isolate themselves upon arrival in the province.
Despite projects that Omicron-fueled cases and hospitalizations will increase dramatically by the end of the month without stronger interventions, Saskatchewan does not plan to toughen public health measures for the holidays.
This Canadian Press report was first published on December 22, 2021.
Reference-www.nationalobserver.com