Ontario “Pauses” Again to Lift Remaining Capacity Limits in Higher Risk Environments | The Canadian News

Ontario is pausing once again to lift remaining capacity limits in higher-risk settings that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The government says the move comes when public health indicators established in recent models indicate an increase in cases, with an expected increase in hospitalizations and ICU treatments.

Initially, capacity limits in food or beverage establishments (nightclubs, wedding reception facilities, and meeting / event spaces with dancing), as well as strip clubs, sex clubs, and bathhouses were scheduled to be lifted. November 15.

However, any changes to the capacity limits in those environments were delayed another 28 days to reassess whether trends improve.

“Consistent with Ontario’s cautious approach to date, as public health and medical experts learn more about the Omicron variant, we continue to deliberately pause the reopening, to protect our hard-fought progress against COVID-19. “said Health Minister Christine. Elliott said.

The province has not given a date for the reassessment of the capacity limits that could be lifted.

On Tuesday, Ontario’s COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Board released a new model indicating that cases were increasing substantially, even without Omicron. While Ontario’s ICUs are stable at the moment, severe cases are expected to increase due to an increase in COVID infections.

In a reopening plan published at the end of October, the province set January 17 as the date to end the proof of vaccination requirement in some places like gyms and restaurants.

However, amid a worsening COVID situation, the province has yet to change course on the matter. On Monday, Elliott said it would adjust the plan if necessary.

Ontario reported 928 new cases Tuesday with 165 patients currently in intensive care units due to a COVID-related illness.

See link »