Ontario is reporting that hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions due to COVID-19 have dropped to their lowest levels of the year, today.
As of February 17, Ontario says there are currently 1,342 people hospitalized with COVID-19 – the lowest number since January 4, when there were 1,290 hospitalizations. About 48 per cent of hospitalizations were admitted for unrelated reasons but later tested positive.
As well, the province is reporting a total of 356 people in intensive care units being treated for COVID-19 – the lowest number since January 7 when there were 338 in ICUs. Ontario says about 80 per cent of ICU patients were admitted due to COVID-19.
Ontario is also reporting 2,327 new COVID-19 cases, with a test positivity rate of 11 per cent.
The province’s steady decline in new COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions led to the province pushing ahead its reopening plan a few days, with Step Two of the reopening taking place this morning – ahead of the original date of February 21.
Effective today, Ontario has increased social gathering limits to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, removed capacity limits in restaurants, bars and gyms, and will allow for 50 per cent capacity at sporting arenas and concert venues, with increased capacity limits for weddings, funerals and religious services.
As well, the province says capacity limits in indoor public settings like grocery stores, pharmacies, retail settings and shopping malls have been increased to the maximum number of people who can maintain a two-metre distance.
“We know that many businesses, particularly small businesses, have gone through a very difficult time because of the measures that we’ve had to take to limit COVID-19,” said Ontario’s Health Minister and Deputy Premier, Christine Elliott, in an interview with the Q Morning Show earlier today.
“But this is very, very good news today – both for businesses and for the people of Ontario,” adds Elliott.
Elliott notes Ontario is now expanding booster dose eligibility for youth aged 12 to 17 on Friday. Appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, as well as at select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments will be booked for approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose.
Step three of the province’s reopening plan is now set for March 1, after originally being scheduled for March 14. Ontario says they’ll remove all capacity limits in indoor settings and proof-of-vaccination requirements will be lifted provincially.
However, Ontario says businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof-of-vaccination requirements after March 1.
“We will be dropping the proof-of-vaccination requirements, but we still encourage everybody who hasn’t received their first, second or booster shot to please, please do so,” adds Elliott.
“It helps protect your health. You are six times more likely to be admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 if you’re unvaccinated, and 12 times more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit. For the sake of your own health, please go out and get vaccinated.”
There’s still no timeline on when masking will be removed, but Ontario says a plan will be coming soon.