Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table says due to the new Omicron variant, cases of COVID-19 in the province are on pace to double every three days, prompting Ontario to change course with their reopening plan.
As of December 13, Ontario reported 1,536 cases of COVID-19 – a 73 per cent jump from the same time frame last week. The seven-day average of cases is at its highest point in more than six months. It’s estimated that about 20 per cent of the new infections are being caused by the Omicron variant.
Also as of December 13, the Northwestern Health Unit is reporting a total of 17 active cases in the region. They include 5 in Sioux Lookout, 6 in Rainy River, 4 in Kenora and 2 in Dryden/Red Lake.
The NWHU is one of Ontario’s 34 public health units. According to the province, 29 of those 34 public health units are reporting significant growth in new cases of COVID-19 as of December 13.
“We’re all tired of this, but we got to persevere through this. We’re seeing some cresting numbers and a few measures have to be taken. But we’ll see where this goes,” said Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford, who also serves as the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, as well as Indigenous Affairs.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott, announced last week that Ontario is taking further measures to prevent COVID-19 case increases, including pausing their reopening plan.
As of December 20, youth aged 12 to 17 participating in organized sports at recreational facilities will need to provide proof of vaccination. It’s already a requirement in northwestern Ontario, however.
Ontario has now delayed the lifting of proof of vaccination requirements beyond January 17, and as of January 4, will require the use of enhanced vaccine certificates with a QR code and the Verify Ontario app, in settings where proof of vaccination is required.
This means that a current form of proof of vaccination – your physical receipts from the Ministry of Health indicating you’ve received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine – will no longer be eligible as proof of your vaccination status in the new year.
The QR code can be used digitally or by printing a paper copy. Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.
Ontario residents over the age of 50 are now able to get their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – if it's been over 24 weeks, or 168 days, since their second dose.
With new guidance being released, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has said that all eligible residents can now be offered a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine safely.
Those who are now eligible include:
- Those aged 50 and over,
- Healthcare workers and designated caregivers,
- First Nations, Inuit and Metis adults and their non-Indigenous household members,
- Individuals who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine,
- First responders,
- People living in a retirement home, elder care lodge or those living in a congregate setting for seniors, including designated essential caregivers.
The province says those over the age of 18 will be eligible for their booster dose as of January 4, 2022, with appointments to be booked approximately six months after receiving a second dose.
Anyone who is eligible for a first, second or booster dose of the vaccine can book an appointment at one of the scheduled clinics across the region.
To book an appointment, residents can:
- Use Northwestern Health Unit’s booking site: https://clinicreservation.com/book-now
- Call Northwestern Health Unit at 1-866-468-2240
- Contact your health care provider
- Contact your local pharmacy