Campbellford Memorial Hospital Emergency Room To Be Closed Christmas Eve

The Emergency Department at Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be temporarily closed on Dec. 24 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and re-opening at 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, due to staffing issues.

Photo courtesy of CMH.

A contingency plan has been implemented to deal with this temporary closure to ensure the impact to patient care is as minimal as possible. EMS and other emergency services are aware of the temporary closure and during these hours’ ambulances will take patients directly to the closest area hospital that offers emergency medical services.

In reaching this decision, CMH investigated all support options and opportunities available including reaching out to our sub-regional partners who, while incredibly supportive, shared their own health human resource challenges.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly highlighted the implications of the shortage of health human resources throughout the Province,” said Eric Hanna, President and CEO. “CMH is continuously re-evaluating our strategies to recruit and retain members of our team during these challenging times.”

Anyone requiring emergency health care treatment during the closure should call 911.

Anyone requiring urgent health care treatment should go directly to one of the following hospitals:

• Northumberland Hills Hospital, 1000 DePalma Drive, Cobourg

• Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Trenton Memorial Hospital, 242 King Street, Trenton

• Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Belleville General Hospital, 265 Dundas Street East, Belleville

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre, 1 Hospital Drive, Peterborough.

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CMHA HKPR Receives Combined $60K Donation From Two Local Organizations

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge branch (CMHAHKPR) received a $50,000 donation from the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, and a $10,000 grant from the Peterborough Police Services Board Auction Fund.

Photo courtesy of CMHAHKPR

The donations, both received on Monday, will support the new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic being launched in 2022.

“We thank the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough for their generous donation which will support our new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic,” said Mark Graham, Chief Executive Officer, CMHA HKPR. “The new clinic will bring specialized mobile mental health and addictions care to underserviced and under-resourced communities.”

The clinic will operate within a custom-built retrofitted bus, travelling to communities across the Four Counties. With a multidisciplinary team and collaboration from community partners, it will provide individuals with a variety of services together under one roof, including mental health and addictions services, psychiatric support and follow-up, sexual health and addictions education and support, and basic primary care and health screening for vulnerable populations.

Photo courtesy of CMHAHKPR.

“We’re pleased to have been selected by the Peterborough Police Services Board as a recipient of the Auction Fund Grant, which will support our new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic,” said Graham. “The launch of this program is a monumental step in bringing specialized mobile mental health and addictions care to underserviced and under-resourced communities.”

“The Peterborough Police Services Board is pleased to support the Canadian Mental Health Association’s new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic with an auction fund grant. The Police Board and the Police Service recognize and understand the need for effective supports and programs that will help support our fellow citizens who are struggling with their mental health and/or addiction to substances,” said Bob Hall, Chair of the Peterborough Police Services Board. “The CMHA is to be commended for this project and we hope that this grant will be part of a community solution.”

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Alert

Peterborough Public Health issued an alert regarding a significant increase in suspected drug poisonings locally, on Monday.

File Photo.

“Over the last two days, Paramedic Calls for Service and Emergency Department Visits for suspected drug poisonings have been consistently high,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “This has prompted us to proceed with issuing a public warning in hopes of preventing further harms in the community.”

Beginning Dec. 14 through to Dec. 21, local paramedics responded to 9 opioid related calls for service, and there were 12 opioid-related Emergency Department Visits.

Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:

o Don’t use drugs alone o If you use with a friend, do not use at the exact same time

o Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888- 688-6677

o Carry a naloxone kit, keep it visible and close to you

o Avoid mixing drugs

o Test your drug by using a small amount first

o Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered

Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

o Skin is cold and clammy

o Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

o Body is very limp

o Can’t wake the person up

o Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

o Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

o Pupils are very small

If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Stay with the person until help arrives.

“The mixture of opioids and other drugs, accidental or not, can increase the risk of overdose and death,” Said Dr. Piggott. “If you are using drugs right now, it is critical that you take action to stay safe. Use with a friend and do not use at the same time. You can also ask someone to check in on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.”

Peterborough Public Health also stressed that under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 3 drug poisoning deaths for every death attributable to COVID-19, Dr. Piggott explained.

“This serves to remind us that our community is confronted by two immediate and very significant threats to public health - the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing harms of substance use and the contaminated drug supply.”

For a list of local community agencies that are providing naloxone, harm reduction supplies, and overdose response services over the holidays visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/stay-safe-over-theholidays/.

To access local data regarding opioid-related harms, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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Peterborough Drug Strategy Shares Holiday Closures And Safety Tips To Prevent Opioid Poisonings

With the holiday season approaching, Peterborough Drug Strategy partners are reminding community members about the importance of overdose prevention and not using drugs alone.

It is not uncommon to see drug poisonings and other harms increase over the holidays. This time of year can be difficult for many people, and can trigger sadness, stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions. While people use drugs for many different reasons, this can lead to consuming more alcohol and other drugs in an effort to cope or manage these feelings.

Peterborough Drug Strategy suggests that individuals currently experiencing a mental health or substance use concern, or are working towards recovery, connecting with a trusted friend or family member and reaching out to them regularly may be helpful.

When using drugs, please remember these prevention tips:

• Don’t use drugs alone

• Use with a friend, but not at the same time

• If you are using alone, have a plan. Have someone check in with you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677

• Carry naloxone, keep it visible and close by

• Avoid mixing drugs

• Test your drugs by using a small amount first

• Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered

Community members are encouraged to know the signs of opioid poisoning and how to respond. An opioid poisoning may look like the following:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

If you suspect an overdose, respond quickly by calling 911 right away. Give naloxone if available, and stay with the person until help arrives.

While a number of local community agencies will be closed between Friday at 12 p.m. to Jan. 4, 2022, naloxone, harm reduction supplies, and overdose response services are available from the following agencies:

Naloxone and emergency overdose response

• Peterborough County-City Paramedics. All paramedics carry naloxone for distribution. When attending a drug-related 911 call, paramedics can provide naloxone kits to the patient whether or not naloxone has already been administered.

Naloxone and other Harm Reduction Supplies

• One Roof - 99 Brock Street. Open Daily 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and again from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Note: If there is an extreme cold event guests can request harm reduction supplies during the extended hours drop-in from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and again from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• FourCast – 200-130 Hunter Street W. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1. Open Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open all other days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• CMHA - 466 George Street N. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1. Open Dec. 24 and December 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open all other days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic - 360 George Street N. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1 .Open Dec. 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Open Dec. 29 to 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open Dec. 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Mobile Support Overdose Resource Team (MSORT) Open Dec. 24 and 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, call the MSORT mobile office at 705-760-0673.

• Elizabeth Fry Society - 150 King Street., 4th Floor. Closed from Dec. 25 to January 3. Open Dec. 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Elizabeth Fry’s peer support line will be available 24/7 for calling or texting throughout the holidays at 705-768-4334 for harm reduction supplies and naloxone.

• PARN. Closed from Dec. 24 at 12:00 p.m. to Jan. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Addiction Treatment Services (Alcohol and Drug Use)

• Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic. Closed Dec. 27, reopens Jan. 3 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Crisis Response

• Four County Crisis. If you are in crisis, call 705-745-6484 or toll-free 1-866-995-9933. By phoning these numbers, you can access 24-hour, free, confidential crisis support.

• Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough. Call 705-745-2273 for free, non-judgmental, and confidential crisis support available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

For more information about opioid-related harms data, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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COVID-19 Booster Dose Eligibility Expanded to 18 Years Old As Of Monday

Starting Monday, the provincial government will be expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses to all residents turning 18 years of age or older in 2021.

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In Peterborough region, this expanded eligibility and decreased interval will allow for around 59,000 residents to be eligible for a booster dose.

The province has also announced that the interval between second and third doses will be shortened to 84 days or 12 weeks instead of the previous 168 days.

With this eligibility expansion, the following residents can book a COVID-19 booster dose appointment for a date that is at least 84 days after a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was received:

• Residents 18 years of age or older (born in 2003 or before)

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members

• Individuals who received two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

• Individuals who received one dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine

• Healthcare workers

Residents can determine the date when they become eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose using this guide.

“We are now considering the COVID-19 vaccine to be a three-dose vaccine,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “As we are seeing a substantial rise in COVID-19 cases, likely linked to the Omicron variant, we are strongly encouraging residents to receive their booster dose as soon as it is available to them.”

Dr. Piggott is urging residents to be patient as they book a booster dose appointment.

“There is overwhelming demand for booster doses among our residents. We ask that residents be patient when booking their appointment. Appointments are being added daily and more will continue to come in the new year.”

Residents are encouraged to reach out to loved ones and neighbours, particularly those who are elderly or otherwise at-risk of severe COVID-19, to share booking information and assist with booking an appointment if needed.

Residents can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial vaccine booking system in the following ways:

• Online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ OR

• Over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900

Residents can also book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a local participating pharmacy.

Dr. Piggott is reminding residents that at this time they cannot walk-in to a COVID-19 vaccine clinic to receive a booster dose.

“We have been experiencing long lines at some of our vaccine clinics which has been primarily due to residents trying to receive their booster dose without an appointment. Staff at the COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be turning people away if they try to walk-in to a clinic for their booster dose.”

To prevent standing in line at a vaccine clinic, residents are asked to book an appointment and show up at the time of their scheduled appointment, not earlier.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, upcoming vaccine clinics, and booking a vaccine appointment visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics.

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Ontario Government Placing Tighter Restrictions To Help Curb Omicron COVID Variant

The Ontario government is applying additional public health and workplace safety measures in order to limit the rapidly spreading and highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19 announced Friday.

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The restrictions include capacity and social gathering limits to help curb transmission and continue to safeguard Ontario’s hospitals and ICU capacity as the province continues to rapidly accelerate its booster dose rollout.

“Throughout this entire pandemic, we’ve never faced an enemy like Omicron given how quickly it spreads,” said Doug Ford Premier. “We need to do everything we can to slow its spread as we continue to dramatically ramp up capacity to get as many booster shots into arms as possible. Doing so is the best way to safeguard our hospital and intensive care units.”

The latest modelling suggests that the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant could put additional strain on Ontario’s hospital capacity, making it critical to slow the spread as the government dramatically increases vaccine capacity and expands eligibility for third booster doses according to the Ontario Government.

The province recently doubled its vaccination capacity and continues to ramp up further to get as many vaccines into arms as possible. Over 156,000 doses were administered on Dec. 16 with capacity increased to 200,000 to 300,000 in the coming days.

To further strengthen its response to Omicron and reduce opportunities for close contact as the province gets as many vaccines into arms as possible, Ontario is introducing a 50 per cent capacity limit in the following indoor public settings:

• Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs

• Personal care services

• Personal physical fitness trainers

• Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)

• Shopping malls

• Non-spectator areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities (e.g. gyms)

• Indoor recreational amenities

• Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities

• Tour and guide services

• Photography studios and services

• Marinas and boating clubs

These limits do not apply to any portion of a business or place that is being used for a wedding, a funeral or a religious service, rite or ceremony. Businesses or facilities will also need to post a sign stating the capacity limits that are permitted in the establishment.

To further reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, additional protective measures are also being applied:

• The number of patrons permitted to sit at a table will be limited to 10 people and patrons will be required to remain seated in restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs.

• Bars and restaurants, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs will be required to close by 11:00 p.m. Takeout and delivery will be permitted beyond 11:00 p.m.

• Dancing will not be allowed except for workers or performers.

• Food and/or drink services will be prohibited at sporting events; concert venues, theatres and cinemas; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues.

• The sale of alcohol will be restricted after 10:00 p.m. and consumption of alcohol in businesses or settings after 11:00 p.m.

In addition, to mitigate COVID-19 transmission that can occur at informal social gatherings, the province is also reducing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

These restrictions will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday.

“This was not an easy decision to make before the holidays, but the evidence is clear that further public health measures are required to slow the spread of Omicron and prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we expand booster eligibility and continue our Team Ontario effort to get as many shots into arms as possible, I am urging every single person to get their vaccine if they haven’t already done so, and sign up for their booster shot as soon as possible.”

In addition, in response to emerging global evidence of substantial increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, the Chief Medical Officer of Health is updating the personal protective equipment requirements outlined in Directive 5 to provide interim guidance to require N95s for health care workers providing direct care to or interacting with a suspected, probable or confirmed case of COVID.

“As the rapidly spreading Omicron variant becomes the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ontario, it is necessary to apply additional public health and workplace safety measures to reduce transmission, protect our health system and save lives,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves, friends, families, neighbours and communities safe this holiday season. Please follow all public measures and get vaccinated with your first, second or booster dose if you have not done so already. Omicron will not take a holiday.”

The government and the Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to monitor trends in key public health and health care indicators, including emerging data on the Omicron variant and will continue to take swift action to ensure the health and safety of Ontarians according to the press release.

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Fleming College Makes Winter Semester Changes Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Fleming College has delayed the start of their winter semester by a week and the first two weeks will be online announced by the college on Thursday.

Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

The decision was made due to the surging cases of COVID-19’s Omicron variant. Winter semester classes start on Jan. 17 with the weeks of Jan. 17 and Jan. 24 will be delivered fully online. With a later start to the semester, it will end on April 29; a week later than the original date.

“It is our intention to return to campus on Monday, January 31 for hands-on and specialized courses with some continuation of online delivery where appropriate,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president.

There will be exceptions for a small number of specialized labs that may run during the week of Jan. 17. Students affected will be notified through their program area.

New students will be permitted to move into residence beginning Jan. 6 and 7 and anyone currently living on campus can return on Jan. 9. The college recommends that students consider staying at home until their onsite academic program begins.

With the federal government’s insistence, the college encourages students not to travel internationally during the holiday season to avoid the risk of infection or other complications.

Fleming encourages students and faculty to get a booster shot as soon as possible for the health and safety of everyone as they become available on Monday.

“It’s particularly frustrating during this time of year when we would like to be celebrating with large groups of friends and family,” said Adamson. “Unfortunately, those large gatherings will have to wait, but we hope that everyone can find some joy and safe togetherness during the break. Happy holidays and stay safe.”

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Peterborough Petes Reducing Fan Capacity By Half After Government Announcement

Beginning Saturday, the number of spectators permitted at Peterborough Petes home games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre is reduced to 50 per cent capacity announced on Wednesday.

The Petes celebrating a home win by saluting the crowd against the Hamilton Bulldogs on Oct. 28. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The decision came following the same-day announcement made by the Ontario Government. They ordered the capacity reduction for indoor venues with capacities of 1,000 or more to combat the Omnicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. The cut allows for 2,025 fans to be in attendance.

All Season Ticket Members will be guaranteed their seats for every game. Anyone with tickets for Saturday night’s game is still entitled to attend unless otherwise communicated with by Petes or Box Office staff members. 

The Petes will continue to work with Peterborough Public Health and the PMC to ensure that all attendees at home games can participate in a safe and fun environment, and will update fans as the organization learns more about the restrictions in the coming days and weeks.

All fans attending Petes game are reminded to follow public health measures at the PMC, including:

• Face coverings are mandatory at all times unless actively eating or drinking in your ticketed seat. 

• Children under the age of two will not require a face covering/mask.

• Physical distancing guidelines must be followed. There are markers on the floor to help people stay a minimum of two metres apart.

• Hands must be washed or sanitized regularly. Hand sanitizer is available throughout the facility.

• Ticket holders are required to submit a contact tracing form online prior to entry that lists the full name and phone number for each ticket holder in their group. This form also includes a list of active screening questions.

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Ontario Government to Distribute COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests To Peterborough

The Ontario Government is distributing COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at several locations in Peterborough over the next few weeks to increase access to publicly funded testing announced Wednesday.

A rapid antigen test displaying a negative COVID-19 reading. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Rapid antigen tests provide results in 15-20 minutes after administering the test. Rapid antigen testing is used for screening purposes only and should not be used for diagnosing someone with symptoms or exposure to COVID-19.

A positive result from a rapid antigen test needs to be followed up with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which is administered through the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre or a participating pharmacy then sent to a lab for processing, to confirm the person has COVID-19.

The Ontario Government is distributing rapid antigen tests in Peterborough over the next several weeks at the following locations:

• Peterborough Farmers’ Market, Morrow Building, 151 Lansdowne St. W. – 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sat., Dec. 18, and 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sat, Jan. 8

• Lansdowne Place, 645 Lansdowne St. W. – Dec. 21 to Thu., Dec. 23, 2021 (hours to be determined)

• Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W. – 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sat., Dec. 18 and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Dec. 27

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N. – Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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All Ontarians 18+ Eligible For COVID-19 Booster Appointments at Three-Month Interval Beginning Monday

The Ontario Government is expanding eligibility for anyone 18 and over with a booster dose rollout to battle the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant beginning on Monday.

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Premier Doug Ford made the announcement at Queen’s Park with Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health; Sylvia Jones, Ontario Solicitor General and Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health to provide an update on Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine booster strategy.

The rollout has shortened the interval to three months following an individual’s second dose which previously was no earlier than Jan 4. To provide an additional layer of protection against COVID-19 and variants during the holiday season, Ontario is also launching a holiday testing blitz starting today to offer rapid antigen screening to individuals free of charge at pop-up sites across the province, as well as select LCBO stores across Ontario according to the press release.

“As we combat the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, nothing matters more than getting these booster doses into people’s arms,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I am issuing a call to arms. We need every member of Team Ontario to stand tall and do their part as we work to protect our hard-fought progress and keep Ontarians safe.”

Anyone eligible can schedule their booster dose appointment through Ontario’s booking portal by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, participating pharmacies and primary care settings.

Appointments will be booked three months (84 days) after a second dose as the province urgently expands booster eligibility to millions more individuals. Pharmacies and other channels may provide boosters for 18 and over at the three-month interval starting Friday.

Beginning Wednesday, individuals aged 50 and over as well as all those currently eligible who have already booked their appointment at an interval of six months (168 days) can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to re-book for an earlier date at the three-month interval and can change their appointment through Ontario’s booking portal starting on Monday.

“As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, we need all hands on deck to help limit transmission and protect our hospital capacity,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine offers additional protection against the Omicron variant, and I urge everyone to get their booster dose as soon as you can. If you haven’t received your first or second dose of the vaccine, now is the time.”

To further strengthen its response to Omicron, effective Sunday at 12:01 a.m., Ontario intends to introduce a 50 per cent capacity limit to the following indoor areas of venues with a usual capacity of 1,000 or more:

• Facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities

• Entertainment facilities such as concert venues, theatres and cinemas

• Racing venues

• Meeting and event spaces

• Studio audiences in commercial film and television production

• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions

• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments

• Fair, rural exhibitions, and festivals

This measure is being taken to reduce opportunities for close contact in high-risk indoor settings with large crowds and when face coverings/masks are not always worn.

As part of the government’s enhanced testing strategy, starting Wednesday, up to two million rapid tests will be provided free of charge at pop-up testing sites in high-traffic settings such as malls, retail settings, holiday markets, public libraries and transit hubs.

Pop-up teams will be deployed at nearly 50 locations across the province, including some co-located with GO-VAXX mobile vaccine buses. Most sites will distribute free take-home rapid antigen test kits, subject to supply and some will offer asymptomatic rapid antigen screening on-site. The government will also make take-home rapid tests available at select LCBO stores, starting with the busiest stores this week and with more stores being added in the coming days.

Ontarians can visit Ontario.ca/holidaytesting to find out if pop-up rapid antigen screening sites will be available in their area. Locations and operating hours will be updated weekly and no appointment will be required.

The latest available data suggests that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant and will become the dominant variant by the end of the month according to the Ontario Government.

They also say early evidence suggests that a third dose or booster can further increase protection against severe illness and hospitalization. While cases were always expected to rise, the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant could put additional strain on Ontario’s hospital capacity, making it critical that all Ontarians receive their booster dose as soon as possible.

Ontario’s cautious approach and high vaccination rates have contributed to keeping hospital and intensive care unit capacity stable. As of Dec. 15, there were 153 COVID-19 related critical illness patients in ICU. The seven-day rolling average of COVID-19 related critical illness patients in ICU is 154. Approximately 600 ICU beds are available with nearly 500 additional ICU beds available for surge capacity if required.

To quickly scale up capacity to administer up to previous peak vaccination capacity, the province has asked public health units, hospitals, pharmacists, primary care providers and other health care providers to ramp up additional vaccinations sites and prioritize the administration of first, second and booster doses across the province.

On Tuesday, 127,000 vaccines were administered in Ontario, well above recent provincial capacity, and the province is continuing to ramp up to administer 200,000 to 300,000 doses per day by next week based on demand. The province is also partnering with additional health care providers and first responders to support Ontario’s vaccination efforts and administer more shots in arms.

Ontario is engaging with large corporations who have the capabilities to implement workplace and community clinics to support the booster dose rollout for employees, their families and the local community. Bruce Power, in partnership with Grey Bruce Health Unit, will be the first corporate-led vaccine clinic, starting the week of Dec. 20.

In addition, the successful mobile vaccine clinic strategy will be expanded to meet the evolving challenges of COVID-19 and its variants. More information on the corporate and mobile clinics will be available in the coming weeks. The province will also be expanding the Stop the Spread Business Information Line to allow businesses to request vaccine supply to administer on-site for employees. Businesses will need to meet certain criteria to ensure proper storage and safe administration of the vaccines including the availability of health human resources. More information on the corporate and mobile clinics will be available in the coming days.

“Today’s announcement underlines our government’s ongoing priority to keep Ontarians safe while protecting our health care systems and communities from COVID-19 and its variants,” said Sylvia Jones, solicitor general. “We are expanding our efforts to include workplace and mobile vaccine clinics with the support of our health care and corporate partners as well as public health units, to ensure that first, second and booster doses are easily and conveniently accessible across the province to all Ontarians.”

“As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant we need to do more to strengthen our defence against the virus, and vaccines are the most effective way we can do that,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “If you are eligible for a booster or have not yet had your first or second dose, please come forward to get vaccinated. It will provide you, your loved ones and your community with vital layer of protection throughout the winter season.”

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