After nearly two years of increasing restrictions in order to protect against COVID-19, the province has finally begun to ease back into normalcy thanks to increased vaccination rates and decreasing COVID-19 numbers in Ontario.
In an interview with Q104 on February 17, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health for the province, shared her thoughts about lifting some of the COVID-19 measures such as capacity limits and proof of vaccination.
When asked if she thought the lifting of restrictions would help small businesses, she said, “Absolutely, we know that many businesses, particularly small businesses, have gone through a very difficult time because of some of the measures that we have had to take to limit COVID-19. But this is very good news, both for businesses and for the people of Ontario.”
Effective February 17, Ontario is increasing social gathering limits to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, removing capacity limits in restaurants, bars and gyms, will allow 50 percent capacity at sporting arenas and concert venues and increasing 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 will all be increased to the maximum number of people who can maintain a two-metre distance.
When asked if she thought we may see a near future without masking, Elliott said, “Well, I think that Dr. Moore, our Chief Medical Officer of Health, has always said that the masking would be the last thing to go, but we are watching that very carefully every day.”
“As soon as our medical experts tell us that we’re in the clear with respect to masking, we will be letting the people of Ontario know,” she continued.
Elliott went on to encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated, including a booster shot.
“We will be dropping the proof of vaccination requirements as of March 1, 2022, but we still encourage everybody who hasn’t received their first, second, or booster shot to please do so because it helps protect your health,” explained Elliott.
“You are 6 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 if you are unvaccinated and you are 12 times more likely if you’re ill to be admitted to an intensive care unit,” continued Elliott.
“For the sake of your own health, I encourage everyone to please go out and continue your vaccinations or get vaccinated in the first place,” concluded Elliott.