As the Ontario Science Advisory released its latest COVID-19 modelling, the government has announced it will not be lifting capacity limits at remaining settings.
Capacity limits will remain in place at all food or drink establishments with dance facilities like nightclubs, as well as strip clubs and sex houses.
The advisory table has warned, even without the Omicron variant, cases are expected to continue to rise. Projections suggest ICU occupancy is likely to grow to 250-400 beds in January, putting hospitals under strain again.
"It's absolutely preventable what is happening in our acute care sector, so I would ask all Ontarians to reflect deeply. If you haven't been vaccinated yet, please reconsider," said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.
Although the province is not recommending any sweeping public health measures over the coming weeks, Dr. Moore is encouraging people to avoid large crowds and adhere to public health guidance of masks and frequent hand washing.
Moore indicated the advisory table is continually monitoring data and may recommend the continuation of vaccine mandates past the planned cutoff date of January 17.
"If our cases continue through and after the holidays we would make recommendations of government to continue the certification process in play," said Moore.
He also told reporters a "robust testing strategy" will be rolled out in the coming months to increase access to rapid tests for all Ontarians and especially students. He said the province has ordered enough rapid test kits to give each child in Ontario five tests to bring home over the holiday break.
