Thanks to positive trends in the province, the Ontario government has announced that it will once again begin lifting public health restrictions
As healthcare indicators begin to slowly show improvement, Ontario will begin easing pandemic health measures at the end of the month.
A news release from the provincial government states that if “concerning trends” remain absent by Jan. 31, the province will increase social gatherings to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Capacity limits in food and drink establishments, retailers, shopping malls, cinemas, gyms, and many other spaces will be set to 50 per cent.
Ontario stepped back in its Roadmap to Reopening on Jan. 5 due to the Omicron variant, but there has since been “signs of stabilization” in the health care system. These include test positivity rates falling, less hospital admissions, and length of stays shortening.
If these health trends continue to show improvement after January, more easing of restrictions can be expected in February and March. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will continue to be needed in existing settings until at least March 14.
“We can be confident that the worst is behind us and that we are now in a position to cautiously and gradually ease public health measures,” said Premier Doug Ford in the release. “While February will continue to present its own challenges, given current trends these are challenges we are confident we can manage.”
Alongside the news of restrictions being slowly lifted, Ontario will be giving businesses that are subject to closure a $10,000 grant in February as part of the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant. Applications for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program were also opened Jan. 18 and will offer up to 100 per cent rebate on property tax and energy costs.
These grants are an additional form of help that will accompany the improvement of cash flow to local businesses through a penalty and interest-free period that began in early January.
Provincial health officials continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated and get their boosters. Ontarians are also urged to stay vigilant and to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
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