Ontario’s health minister said the government is not changing course on its plan to reopen despite a recent increase in COVID-19 infections.
Health Minister Christine Elliott said an increase in the number of cases was expected during the colder weather as people move inside, and this has been factored into plans for the province .
Experts told The Canadian Press this week that cold weather and the lifting of provincial crowd restrictions at some venues like stadiums and restaurants could be behind the growth of cases.
As of Tuesday, 441 new cases were reported in the province and a seven-day average of 492 daily infections, up from 371 a week ago.
Elliott said if restrictions are reintroduced it will be regionally and most likely led by local medical officers as they have the best knowledge of their area and what needs to be done.
She highlighted the decision of Sudbury’s top doctor to reintroduce capacity limits and other measures in response to a significant increase in the number of cases, and said the province would also take a local approach with the rest of the province.
“We’re going to stay the course at this point, but of course we’re looking at it every day,” Elliott told reporters in Brampton, Ont. On Tuesday.
The Progressive Conservative government plans to gradually ease public health restrictions down to all measures, including requirements for masks and proof of vaccination by the end of next March.
Restaurants, stadiums, gymnasiums, casinos and other spaces that accept proof of vaccination can currently operate at full capacity.
The province aims to start lifting the proof of vaccination rules for some businesses like restaurants, bars and gyms in January as long as the COVID-19 situation does not become of concern.
Elliott said Tuesday that even with the increase in cases, the province’s relatively high vaccination rate – with 85% of the eligible population having received both vaccines – is making a difference with fewer people now hospitalized in intensive care.
“We don’t want to be overwhelmed again, but I think it shows the value of double vaccination,” she said. “It will save your life.”
Ontario reported three more deaths from the virus on Tuesday.
There were 134 people in intensive care with serious illness from COVID-19, including 78 people on ventilators and 15 patients from Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 9, 2021.
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