COVID-19: Ontario announces plan to lift remaining public health measures by end of March | FULL

Ontario Premier Doug Ford released the province's plan Friday on how it would begin loosening and eventually lifting remaining public health measures brought in to combat COVID-19, with the goal to have them lifted in late March.

Ford was joined by Health Minister Christine Elliott, Associate Minister of Digital Government Kaleed Rasheed and chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore.

The plan would start Monday, with most capacity limits on businesses that require proof-of-vaccination being lifted, including restaurants and event spaces which were not included in the earlier announcement for big venues that host events like sports. The limits would then be lifted on higher-risk settings like night clubs and wedding venues where there is dancing on Nov. 15.

In January, restrictions will further lift with businesses beginning to see the requirement for proof-of-vaccination removed starting Jan. 17 for restaurants, casinos, sporting facilities and other food, drink and gaming establishments. Night clubs will see their requirement lift Feb. 7, with remaining settings including event spaces, sporting events and cinemas no longer requiring proof-of-vaccination on March 28.

Elliott said the goal is starting March 28, the province intends to end remaining public health and workplace safety measures, including wearing face coverings in indoor public settings. There will be possible recommendations, however, for the continuing of masking in some settings such as transit.

Both Ford, Moore and Elliott cautioned that the progression of these changes will rely on the absence "of concerning trends in public health and health care," especially following the winter holiday months and after students return to school.

To manage COVID-19 over the long-term, the province plans to have local and regional responses based on local conditions and public health measures could be reapplied locally if needed.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/8288927/ontario-plan-move-past-covid-restrictions/

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