Ontario makes changes to third dose rollout and capacity limits, while U of G implements late start to in-person classes and encourages students and faculty members to get their booster shot
O n Dec. 15, the Ontario government announced its action plan to combat the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 and safeguard Ontario’s hospitals and intensive care units.
Most notably, the provincial government announced that it will be expediting its rollout of booster shots by opening appointment booking to individuals aged 18 and older beginning Dec. 20. Individuals aged 50 and over were eligible to begin booking their booster shot appointment on Dec. 15.
“As we combat the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, nothing matters more than getting these booster doses into people’s arms,” said Premier Doug Ford in the announcement.
Ontario is also reducing the suggested wait time between an individual’s second dose and their booster dose, from six months to three months. Appointments can now be booked three months (84 days) after the second dose was administered. Those aged 50 and older who have already scheduled an appointment for their booster dose at the six-month wait period can now reschedule their appointment for an earlier time at the three-month interval.
To further limit the spread of COVID-19 in high-risk environments, the Ontario government has mandated a 50 per cent capacity limit to certain indoor venues, including but not limited to: Indoor venues used for sports and recreational fitness activities, concert venues, theatres, cinemas, meeting and event spaces, and museums and galleries.
In light of the holiday season, Ontario is also launching free rapid antigen testing pop-up sites throughout the province, including at select LCBO locations, malls, transit centres, public libraries, holiday markets, and retail settings. Those who are interested in more information can visit Ontario.ca/holidaytesting.
Following Ontario’s announcement and action plan, the University of Guelph asked instructors to conduct the first two weeks of winter 2022 classes virtually, with classes scheduled to begin on Jan. 10. Excluding clinical teaching, in-person classes will not begin until Jan. 24. The university still plans to return to conventional in-person classes for most winter 2022 course offerings.
Flexible work arrangements originally scheduled to start Jan. 10 will now start on Jan. 24. Those with questions and concerns can contact their directors or managers for more information.
U of G continues to implement a vaccination policy, along with other COVID-19 safety measures such as social distancing, wearing a mask, and symptom screening. The university is now encouraging all students and faculty members to get their third dose as soon as possible.
As for residency, the university plans to welcome back students on Jan. 8 but is encouraging them to return to residences when in-person classes begin.
Those who are interested in receiving a booster shot can book an appointment through Ontario’s booking portal, the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (at 1‑833‑943‑3900), Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, primary care settings, and the U of G’s Student Health Services. Participating pharmacies may also provide booster vaccines to people 18 and older after the three-month period through walk-ins starting Dec. 17.
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